Taane said he was looking to move on since the charges were dropped in September.
"It was my idea ... of course. I first asked the Tauranga police and they were really keen (to appear), but it came down to a legality."
Taane's three awards included best male solo artist and two for his second studio album - In the World of Light - in the best electronica and best Maori album categories.
Amidst the screams and the tears, Brooke Fraser took out the international achievement award and the people's choice award.
The songstress took her time entering the event on the red carpet, hugging and taking photos with jiggling fans along the way, who she credits with her success.
She remained humble at the end of the night, despite taking home five awards - which she was worried would push her luggage over airline limits.
"I feel embarrassed and really grateful. To come home and get a little bit of love is really nice. I'm very honoured."
"I've got two weeks off now, which I'm really excited about. I haven't been home in a few months so I'll go home and do some washing, which I'm very much looking forward to doing."
Ms Fraser's Tui haul includes wins for best pop album and highest-selling New Zealand album for Flags, as well as highest-selling NZ single for Something in the Water.
The equally big winners of the night, The Naked and Famous, seemed to take the glitz and glamour in their stride.
Band member Aaron Short said the group had no expectations despite winning five of the six categories they were finalists for. "We've been away from New Zealand since February ... so coming back here, it's like leaving from the bubble for a while."
The five-member band walked away with a statue each; album of the year, single of the year, best group, breakthrough artist of the year and best alternative album.APNZ
