Six60 made history this year as the first New Zealand band to sell out Auckland's Western Springs Stadium. Photo: Getty Images

Former Dunedin band Six60 was the big winner at this year's Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards, claiming five Tuis at a low-key ceremony at Spark Arena.

The group, which made history this year as the first New Zealand band to sell out Western Springs Stadium, last night won the awards for Best Group, Highest Selling Album, Highest Selling Single and the Radio Airplay Record of the Year Award.

They were also the winners of the People's Choice award, which was opened up to all finalists for the first time.

Marlon Williams picked up two Tuis including Best Solo Artist. Photo: supplied

Singer-songwriter Marlon Williams added two Tuis to his shelf last night, winning Best Solo Artist and Album of the Year for his critically acclaimed second record Make Way For Love. Williams had already received Best Music Video for Vampire Again at the 2018 Artisan Awards.

Other multi-wins included rising band Drax Project, which was recognised as Breakthrough Artist of the Year while also winning Single of the Year for its hit Woke Up Late.

Brooke Ligertwood (nee Fraser) received the 2018 International Achievement award. Photo: Getty Images

Experimental soul artist Troy Kingi won both Best Maori Artist and Best Soul/R&B Artist following his acclaimed concept album Shake That Skinny Ass All the Way to Zygertron.

Alien Weaponry, the young rock band blending thrash metal and te reo Maori, opened the awards with a performance of Kai Tangata. The group was also awarded the Tui for Best Rock Artist.

Brooke Ligertwood (nee Fraser) received the 2018 International Achievement award. The singer won a Grammy earlier this year for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song through her work with the international church Hillsong.

Six60 performing at last night's NZ Music Awards in Auckland. Photo: Getty Images

Pop singer Kimbra won Best Pop Artist off the back of her dynamic new record Primal Heart, while alt-rockers Unknown Mortal Orchestra won Best Alternative Artist following their acclaimed fourth record Sex and Food.

Hip-hop supergroup SWIDT followed up its 2017 wins by being awarded Best Hip Hop Artist, while Best Electronic Artist was awarded to Chores and Best Roots Artist to Sons of Zion.

Hip-hop stars Upper Hutt Posse were inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame and received the 2018 Legacy Award.