More than 8000 high school students have sung their hearts out at this year’s Big Sing competition in Dunedin.
The Big Sing Finale 2025 showcased the top 24 secondary school choirs selected from more than 250 choirs who competed at regional festivals earlier in the year.
From Auckland to Invercargill, students have travelled hundreds of kilometres to take part in the national finale.
The competition has taken on new prominence this year, thanks in part to the box office success of Tinā, the fifth highest-grossing New Zealand film of all time.
The film, which was partly inspired by a viral choral performance from the Big Sing, has drawn fresh attention to the art of school singing and inspired a wave of new competitors.
“It’s actually really weird to see myself on the big screen,” said James Oandasan from Westlake Boys’ High School.
He performed in the group featured in Tinā and was now competing in Dunedin.
Christine Argyle from the NZ Choral Federation said the impact of Tinā was clear.
“I think we’ve had record numbers of Pasifika pieces this year,” she said.
“We’re really proud to be here, you know, punching our weight with the best,” said Sarah Rae from Southland Girls’ High School.
The choirs have rehearsed tirelessly, performing in multiple languages — including Latin — and with a range of instruments.
“It’s fun working with different dialects and vowels… it’s really hard,” said a student from St Cecilia’s.
Despite nerves and adrenaline, the excitement was palpable.
“I’m nervous,” said one student from Chilton, “but I’m pretty good.”
Another added: “Mixed emotions all over the place.”
