Four national choirs

Choirs Aotearoa is the organisation that manages our four national choirs:

  • Voices New Zealand (VNZ)

  • New Zealand Youth Choir (NZYC)

  • New Zealand Secondary Students’ Choir (NZSSC)

  • Aotearoa Academy Choir (AAC)

Our organisation started with the national youth choir, and Voices New Zealand began soon after. This was 50 years ago now! Since then, there has been a rising demand from young people to develop their vocal abilities. The Aotearoa Academy Choir started in 2023 and is a massed training programme of up to 100 singers for ages 15-25 years.

 Each of our choirs meets to sing all around the country in different locations. NZYC and NZSSC go on national and international tours, and work on two- and three-year cycles of membership.

Our choirs take part in national occasions such as ANZAC Day and other important commemorations and explore a hugely diverse range of music in languages from across the globe. All our choirs also learn Waiata and Pasifika songs accompanied by choreography. One very important aspect of our youth choirs  is that they connect singers from around the motu, and enable those friendships and collaborations to continue for life.

 Our choirs are conducted by professional Music Directors, are accompanied by professional pianists and supported by professional vocal coaches. Choirs Aotearoa has a professional core staff of five, based in Wellington and Auckland, including an Outreach & Engagement Manager. This year Choirs Aotearoa has introduced our first Pasifika Internship programme, and started administration internships in 2023.