UPDATED 9.00PM: A special guest amongst the crowd, as New Zealand's best songwriters gather for the Silver Scroll Awards...

Last year's winner, Lorde, is sitting near the stage with her parents.

She's among those who are attending the 49th ceremony - traditionally held in Auckland but making a return to Wellington.

Her producer, Joel Little, is in the running to take out the top award again - but this time for the song Bridges, by Broods.

Other finalists include The Phoenix Foundation, Tami Neilson, Tiny Ruins and Louis Baker.