Pacific Connection makes history at World Barbershop comp

Cheers and tears filled the Hyatt Regency hall in Denver, Colorado, as the Pacific choir was announced as bronze medallists at the 2025 International Barbershop Chorus Competition last week.

Pacific Connection, an award-winning Wellington-based choir, has made history by earning New Zealand’s best-ever placement in the contest.

“From the heart of the Pacific to the world stage. Today, we stand tall and in humility as 3rd Place Medalists at the 2025 International Barbershop Chorus Competition,” the collective states in a social media post.

“Highest scoring performance of the entire competition. First-ever New Zealand chorus to place this high in history. Praise God. Vinaka Jisu.”

The group’s repertoire featured a medley of Pacific songs that highlighted the essence of Pacific culture through various dances, clothing, and elements that depicted Pacific life.

The medley earned Pacific Connection the competition’s top score, with an impressive 98.2 per cent. Their overall score was 92.6 per cent.

Pacific Connection has previously been crowned Barbershop Harmony New Zealand (BHNZ) Champions in 2022 and 2024, and their latest win qualified them to represent Aotearoa and the Pacific on an international stage.

Before the contest, Chad Va, Pacific Connection’s co-director, along with Erica Tuese, the Members Coordinator, and choir members Mele Tonga-Grant, Mo’ui Niupalavu, Tu’itavake Matu, and the Setefano family joined PMN Tonga.

Va told host John Pulu that they were “excited to put Pacific culture on that stage”.

“Going from strength to strength and money to money,” Va jokes.

“This contest is probably the biggest singing competition in the world. We have groups from the UK, groups from Europe, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand, come together to compete. We’re just aiming to put the Pacific on the map.”

Pacific Connection on stage at the 2025 International Chorus Championship. Photo/Pacific Connection Facebook

Tonga-Grant says many chorus members felt a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to represent Pacific pride.

“[Different] ways of sharing our language and culture on an international stage that is predominantly Palangi. We get to bring what it is that’s unique and special to be Tongan and Pacific.”

Niupalavu says the US trip has been an eye-opening experience, particularly for younger members.

“We were in Los Angeles for one week. We arrived in Denver two days ago, and it's been such a cool experience. Especially for being raised in Lower Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand.

"Now we're here, experiencing the dream.”

Showcasing Pacific Island ways with ili (fan), ie lavalava, and actions depicting village life. Photo/Pacific Connection Facebook

The choir’s trip was sponsored and/or in partnership with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Pacific Peoples, Heart Charitable Trust, Trust House Foundation, their crowd-funded Boosted campaign, and Creative New Zealand.

“Thank you as well to all of our families who have paid for us and helped us financially to get here, and also to the Lord,” Tonga-Grant says.

Pacific Connection is scheduled to return to Aotearoa in the coming days.