Singing strong at recent Kids Sings
4 Sept 2026
Recent Kids Sing Festivals have brought over 400 children together for the joy of singing. These uplifting events clearly enrich children's musical knowledge, broaden their experiences, and deepen their understanding and appreciation of music.
Nelson – 20 August 2026
The repertoire they presented spanned a wide range of styles and eras. New Zealand compositions included pieces by Hirini Melbourne and Flight of the Conchords, with Tasman Bay Christian School Choir performing songs composed by their Director, Melissa Melodious. Also on the programme were songs by Carole King, Pharrell Williams, and the Electric Light Orchestra.
The day ended with all 138 children joining in two massed items led by award-winning children’s song-writer Kath Bee. They sang Mā te Mahi Ka Ora by John Phillips and Human Just Like Me by Kath Bee.
Kath Bee reported: "The children who participated in this year’s Kids Sing Nelson put on a wonderful show for the audience, with a colourful variety of performances and heartfelt singing. A highlight was the sheer variety of songs, and the obvious joy on the children’s faces as they performed. The massed choir is always a crowd favourite, bringing together children of different ages, backgrounds and abilities to sing as one. This year’s songs seemed particularly fitting, celebrating our connectedness as human beings and what it means to be a Kiwi."
Our thanks to coordinator Jodie Freeman, adjudicator Rosemary Galton, and massed choir director Kath Bee (who valiantly stepped into the coordinator role on the day when illness struck!), and to all the other volunteers who helped on the day. Sincere thanks, also, to Nelson City Council for their financial support.
Manawatū-Whanganui – 3 September 2026
Superb is how event manager Nigel Tongs described The Kids Sing Manawatū-Whanganui. Nine school choirs participated at Palmerston North Normal Intermediate, singing up to three items. Then all 309 participants joined together at the end of the day to sing the round Rhythm of the Rain.
The adjudicator Joanne Hodgson did a great job assessing the choirs and allotting the awards and grades listed below. Adjudicators grade on intonation, tone & blend, vocal technique, diction, interpretation and staging and presentation. All the choirs receive a report, and can choose whether or not to be graded.
Awards:
- Best Performance - Whanganui Intermediate School (High Adventure)
- Best Stage presentation - Te Tira o te Kura o Hanana - Shannon School (Splish Splash)
- Best Soloists - St Peter's College Y &8 Choir (Die on this hill)
- Best New Zealand work - College St Normal School (Ko te Kawa Ora)
- Special merit - Nicola Xia, College St Normal School - Year 6 piano accompanist
- Special merit - Cornerstone Christian School (He is good)
- And one composition performed:
- Turangawaewae by Anahera Matthews, Year 13 St Peter's College
Grading:
- Gold - Whanganui Intermediate School
- Silver - College St Normal School
- Silver - Te Tira o te Kura o Hanana / Shannon School
- Bronze - Queen Elizabeth College
We are grateful to Joanne Hodgson, Nigel Tongs, all the choir directors, and the volunteers who helped to make The Kids Sing such a happy and successful event.
Sincere thanks to the Fehl Charitable Trust for their support of The Kids Sing nationwide.
The Kids Sing Festivals coming up:
- 7-9 September: TKS Auckland-Northland - at the Auckland Town Hall
- 14 September: TKS East Coast - at the Toitoi Hawke's Bay Arts & Events Centre, Hastings
- 20-21 October: TKS Wellington - at Samuel Marsden Collegiate School, Karori.