Sing Aotearoa

Since 1990, Sing Aotearoa has been the leading festival for choral music in New Zealand. Singers from around the motu have gathered for a weekend of singing, practical workshops, and performances, directed by some of the country’s most prominent choral artists.

Sing Aotearoa offers something for everyone - the festival is open to all ages and experience levels. Singers can register with their choir, in small groups, or as an individual. Choirs will also have the opportunity to perform at one of our informal lunchtime concerts in locations around Rotorua. 

Sing Aotearoa will return to Rotorua in 2026 and will be held at Labour Weekend, from the evening of Friday 23 October to the afternoon of Monday 26 October.

Our Artistic Director for Sing Aotearoa '26 will be David Squire, conductor of the New Zealand Youth Choir from 2011-2025. David led the NZ Youth Choir to win the title of Choir of the World at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, where he was also named Most Inspirational Conductor.
David conducts the Auckland Youth Choir, as well as choirs at Kristin School and Westlake Boys, and directed the off-screen choir for the hit movie Tinā.

Sing Aotearoa 2026 will be held for the first time at the stunning Sir Howard Morrison Centre in the heart of Rotorua city. Originally built in 1940 in the Spanish MIssion style, the venue was repurposed as a multi-space performing arts centre and re-opened its doors to the public in 2022.

Ben Parry conducting the Te Puia Sing at Sing Aotearoa '16 in Rotorua.

The Forest Sing with Julian Raphael and Rim D. Paul at Sing Aotearoa '13 in Rotorua.