Pacific-led NZ gospel choir shines on global stage

A momentous experience competing at the World Choir Games earlier this month has left the United Auckland Gospel Choir in awe after coming away with a gold medal.

United Auckland is made up of two choirs, the Mission Choir of the Methodist Church of New Zealand Sinoti Samoa and in its 12-year-old Auckland Gospel that performed at the Rugby World Cup opening ceremony in New Zealand.

The choir was co-directed by Seumanu Simon Matafai JP and Reverend Ieremia Amani Amituana’i.

Seumanu told PMN News last week it was a “very humbling experience” for the group to be “honoured” on the international stage.

“Not only representing Aotearoa New Zealand but also our beautiful Pasifika, as 100 per cent of our choir are made up of various islands around Oceania.

“We are very proud to represent our Pacific community alongside PRIMANAVIA, also a gold-winning choir from beautiful Fiji,” Seumanu said.

United Auckland Gospel Choir performing at World Choir Games / Photo: Aspire Media / Facebook

Auckland United was first notified about the opportunity to compete in the gospel category a few months ago, Seumanu said.

They were also given the opportunity to perform and welcome the choirs from all over the world at the opening ceremony.

Their winning songs, performed in the gospel category, included a Te Reo Māori medley, a Pacific medley, a classic gospel song ‘This little light of mine’ and ‘Total Praise’.

“We are a community group. We’re made up of different denominations, different generations united in Christ. We don’t debate theology, we unite under the banner of Jesus and sing for His glory,” Seumanu said.

The choir has been disbanded and the singers have returned to their normal routines. But Seumanu said they are looking forward to the next World Choir Games, wherever it may take place in the next two years.

Choir co-directors Seumanu Simon Matafai JP and Rev. Ieremia Amani Amituana’i / Photo: Aspire Media / Facebook

“I really like to acknowledge our parents' generation. If it wasn’t for them, who were bold and courageous enough to come to a different nation...they brought us to our success today and for tomorrow.”

More than 50 choirs from across the motu competed, winning 39 diplomas and 13 medals.

Team New Zealand finished in third place overall behind China and the USA.

Photo: Aspire Media / Facebook