Rolling Stone AU/NZ is thrilled to premiere Capital of Country Music, an in-depth documentary about Gore, Aotearoa New Zealand’s country music heartland.
Because what Tamworth is to Australia, Gore is to New Zealand.
Capital of Country Music chronicles the 50-year history of the Gore Country Music Club, the renowned NZ Gold Guitar Awards, and the ongoing country music legacy being carried forward by the new generation.
Dunedin-based filmmakers Scrambler and Gore-born country-folk artist Jenny Mitchell co-directed the documentary, making it a proper homegrown affair.
Capital of Country Music features interviews and insights from iconic country music figures such as Dame Lynda Topp, who gave such a rousing speech at this year’s Aotearoa Music Awards, Max and Coral McCauley, Kayla Mahon Peter Cairns, and 8-year-old country singer Erica Byars.
Gore Country Music Club is at the heart of the documentary. Founded and sustained by passionate individuals who care deeply about country music, the club has played a pivotal role in shaping the genre in New Zealand, making it an essential part of Gore’s cultural heritage.
The documentary first screened at the 2025 Tussock Country Music Festival. The film was made with the generous support of Community Trust South Lottery Grants Board Environment and Heritage Fund Gore District Council via Creative Communities Gore Country Music Club Inc.
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Watch the full documentary above.
Credit: Francine Boer Photography
Mitchell, whom we tipped to win at the 2026 AMA, previously extolled the virtues of her hometown’s country music scene in an RNZ interview.
As she pointed out, the Southland town is a vibrant cultural centre, with the NZ Gold Guitar Awards bringing the country music scene to Gore every May. The beloved Tussock Country Music Festival normally takes place then, too, hosting many exciting events across a 10-day period.
From Mitchell and her close friend and collaborator Tami Neilson to country-pop star Kaylee Bell and up-and-coming Zac Griffiths, New Zealand is more in love with country music than ever before. And all roads lead back to Gore.
Find out more Gore Country Music Club here.
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source au.rollingstone.com ’
