Singer Tiki Taane headbanged on stage with men clad in police uniforms at last night's Vodafone Music Awards.
Hundreds flocked to Auckland's Vector Arena to check out the cream of the kiwi music crop.
The annual awards were dominated by Brooke Fraser and The Naked and Famous, who both walked out with five awards each.
But all eyes were on the flashing stage when Tiki Taane was joined by the boys in blue during a performance of "Freedom to Sing".
The Papamoa-based musician's performance was a nod to his arrest earlier this year, when he was charged after singing lyrics including "F*** the police" at a Tauranga bar.
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."
His friends dressed as the "love police" and wore real cop uniforms for the night.
"Hey man, it's the New Zealand music awards and it's all about putting on a big show. And I just gave the people what they wanted to see."
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."
Now she's headed back home to take care of the simple things, such as laundry.
"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.
Band member Thom Powers smushed his face against his golden award backstage, while the others appeared a bit gobsmacked.
Ladi6 also took out two awards; best female solo artist and best urban hip hop album for "The Liberation Of".
The night was packed full of other celebrity antics.
Colin Mathura-Jeffries donned an "organic" meat dress, similar to a raw animal creation Lady Gaga wore, sparking many meat entendres.
The mosh pit and seated guests were entertained by performances from many of the nominees, including Ladi6, Brooke Fraser, Six60, Avalanche City, Brooke Fraser and The Naked and Famous.
Recording Industry Association of New Zealand managing director Chris Caddick congratulated the finalists and winners on the momentous night.
"Every year the awards deliver great New Zealand tunes and provide a benchmark for both the industry and music consumers to gauge how we are performing.
What's really pleasing is to see the succession of young musicians very much making their marks."
At the end of it all, Naked and Famous band member Thom Powers appeared still stunned.
"No, it's weird... This is weird. It's weirder. It's weird."
"I dunno, it's weird. It's like an awards festival."
APNZ sl
-APNZ