New Found Sound Finalists Confirmed

Twelve of Auckland’s most promising young musical acts will take to the stage at The Tuning Fork on Saturday, 26 September 2026, after earning places in the 2026 New Found Sound Grand Final, with tickets now on sale for the youth-led showcase.

Run by The Y, New Found Sound provides emerging young musicians with the opportunity to perform live, develop their skills and gain valuable experience in front of audiences and industry judges.

The event also gives young people the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience behind the scenes. Young people play key roles in planning, producing and delivering the event, building practical skills in event management, production, artist liaison and event operations while helping bring one of Auckland’s leading youth music events to life.

Following a series of regional heats, 12 finalists have now been confirmed. Finalists represent schools and communities from right across Auckland, with strong representation from Northcote College, Selwyn College and Howick College, alongside talented young musicians from Birkenhead College, Green Bay High School, Glen Eden Intermediate, Kaipara College, Mangere College and Albany Senior High School. Together, they showcase the depth, diversity and creativity of Auckland’s emerging music scene.

The 2026 New Found Sound Grand Final finalists are:

Solo & Duo Artists

– Olivia Reeves (Selwyn College)
– Lyra Prasad (Glen Eden Intermediate)
– Izzy Stoner (Birkenhead College)
– Vi Mangolia (Selwyn College – Wildcard)
– Mångata (Howick College)
– Maia + Aria (Albany Senior High School)

Bands

– Incipit (Green Bay High School)
– Ode to Suffering (Kaipara College)
– I Thought You Meant Tuesday (Howick College)
– Sounds of Polynesia (Māngere College – Wildcard)
– Estatica (Northcote College)
– Vandal (Northcote College)

Among this year’s finalists is Izzy Stoner from Birkenhead College, who returns to the Grand Final after being named Best Soloist in the 2025 competition. Since last year’s success, Izzy has continued to perform across Auckland, including appearances at the Sounds of Tāmaki Makaurau showcases at Silo 6 and Studio One Toi Tū, before earning another place in this year’s Grand Final.

The Y North Chief Executive Rebecca Russell said New Found Sound reflects The Y’s commitment to creating opportunities for young people to discover and develop their potential –

“New Found Sound is about much more than finding great musicians. It’s about giving young people the confidence, skills and opportunities to grow both on and off the stage,” says Rebecca.

“Whether they’re performing in front of an audience, working behind the scenes to deliver the event, or supporting their peers, participants gain real-world experience that can help shape their future. It’s inspiring to see the creativity, commitment and talent these young people bring to the programme each year.”

The competition celebrates not only Auckland’s emerging musical talent, but also the leadership, creativity and practical skills of the young people who help deliver the event. Together, they demonstrate the power of young people supporting and inspiring one another through music.

Friends, whānau and music lovers are encouraged to come along and support Auckland’s next generation of performers while celebrating the incredible talent, passion and creativity of young people from across the region. Tickets are available now through Moshtix.