Porirua school choir takes Pacific pride to Sydney Opera House

Thirty-one young Pacific singers from Porirua have achieved a major milestone, winning Gold at the 2026 Australian International Music Festival (AIMF) in Sydney.

The NIU Choir from Bishop Viard College competed against youth ensembles from around the world, performing at some of Sydney’s most recognised venues including the Opera House.

The achievement has sparked celebrations back home with parents and the Porirua community proud of the students’ dedication and commitment.

“We are incredibly proud of each and every one of you,” Tu’u Mailo, a parent who travelled with the choir, said in a social media post.

“Niu Choir BVC what an amazing achievement. All your hard work, dedication and commitment has paid off. Well done fams, well done to our teachers who supported our kids.”

Established in 1989, the AIMF brings together over 1200 participants each year from countries including Australia, the United States, China, Singapore, Japan, New Zealand and across Europe.

The week-long event gives young musicians the chance to perform at iconic venues, take part in workshops and learn from leading music educators.

For Bishop Viard College, the gold medal is also a reflection of its commitment to using music to strengthen Pasifika identity and belonging.

The NIU Choir was formed in 2024 as part of the college’s Music, Performing Arts, Pasifika (MPPA) Vision - a programme built around culture, connection and creating opportunities for students.

Tuliatu Laulalatoa Sammy Seau, the Head of Music and Performing Arts, tells PMN Sāmoa the achievement builds on six decades of music and performing arts at the school.

“Our school is definitely one of those schools that for a very long time had some amazing, committed, dedicated, talented staff who gave all their heart and all their love for the growth of music and performing arts,” Tuliatu says.

“So as the current HOD, I've been blessed to inherit the burden and the yoke, but an awesome blessing of that role. But with it comes the expectation of having to carry that legacy of music on.”

He says the decision to focus on building one strong choir helped create the foundation for NIU’s success.

"About two or three years ago, me and my current colleague, we sat down and we said, OK, let's focus on one thing in our department and really try and go hard on that to try and grow the music and the passion for performing again," Tuliatu says.

Watch Tuliatu Laulalatoa Sammy Seau's full interview below.

He says the choir’s name also reflects its Pacific identity.

“So it’s new and it’s NIU,” Tuliatu says. "We know that the niu is so special. We know that the niu serves its purpose of being something fresh...exciting, and brings a sense of calm and coolness to anyone who consumes it."

The journey to Sydney was also a community effort with families and supporters raising $35,000 through barbecues, raffles and concerts.

A Boosted X Moana campaign with Creative New Zealand contributed an additional $20,400.

By taking their voices globally and returning with gold, the NIU Choir proved that a shared community vision leaves no stage too grand for their youth to conquer.