Big Sing Secures Funding for New Zealand Students

The Big Sing involves more than 9,000 students and 280 choirs, making it one of the biggest platforms for school music in New Zealand.

New Zealand's largest school choral event, The Big Sing, has secured new government funding that will help keep the long-running competition on stage for thousands of young singers across the country. Education Minister Erica Stanford announced that the New Zealand Choral Federation and Choirs Aotearoa New Zealand will each receive a one-off grant of $150,000 to support the production of their annual events.

The Big Sing involves more than 9,000 students and 280 choirs, making it one of the biggest platforms for school music in New Zealand. The event has been running for more than 35 years and continues to bring together students, teachers, families, and communities through regional competitions held across the country.

Music seen as part of wider student development

Stanford said music helps students build confidence, stay engaged in learning, and discover opportunities inside and outside the classroom. She said choir participation gives young people a chance to develop discipline, teamwork, creativity, and a stronger connection to school life. The funding comes alongside $5.6 million allocated in Budget 26 for music kits in schools, a move the government says will help make singing, music, and access to instruments available to more students.

The Big Sing is known not only for performance excellence but also for its focus on wellbeing, confidence, and the celebration of New Zealand music. Regional competitions take place in Auckland, Waikato/Bay of Plenty, East Coast, Taranaki, Manawatu/Whanganui, Wellington, Marlborough/Nelson, Canterbury/West Coast, Otago, and Southland.

National choir also receives support

Choirs Aotearoa New Zealand will use its grant to support the New Zealand Secondary Students Choir, a national ensemble that helps talented secondary students develop advanced choral skills and leadership abilities. The choir gives students the chance to represent New Zealand at major national and international festivals and events, offering young singers a pathway into higher-level performance and cultural exchange.

Stanford said The Big Sing remains a highlight of the school year for choirs and the families who support them, with a high standard of performance on display each year. The new funding will be drawn from within the Ministry of Education's existing baseline.