"It's wonderful to be acknowledged here in my homeland by critics and music industry insiders. I've put a lot of hard work into my music and winning the Critics' Choice Prize means the world to me."
Her prizes include a $10,000 recording and music video grant, a $2000 gift voucher courtesy of The NZ Rockshop and mentoring from industry experts.
Kimbra recently released her major label debut Vows to rave reviews, thanks to intelligent and super-catchy singles like Settle Down and Cameo.
Reviewer Lydia Jenkin said Kimbra was an engaging live presence and this had come across on Vows.
"She's a striking 21-year-old but she's also a delight to watch, full of theatrics, drama, and spiky, angular dance moves, and this translates to the album."
And she told TimeOut's Scott Kara that music was something she was drawn to.
"It sounds cheesy but I do think music has called me to it and I feel like I have a responsibility to go forth and pursue it ... do something with it," she said.
The Critics' Choice Prize is a prelude to the New Zealand Music Awards on November 3. Last year's award was won by Auckland grunge-rockers Street Chant.
Check out nzherald.co.nz's live stream of the Critics Choice Awards below:
-Herald online
