Auckland’s Brightest Young Performers Shine at Stand Up Stand Out 2026

Exceptional talent from secondary schools across Tāmaki Makaurau was recognised on Saturday night with the announcement of the winners for Auckland Council’s Stand Up Stand Out (SUSO) 2026, in a record-breaking year for the competition.

After months of heats, workshops and semi-finals, Auckland Town Hall welcomed the region’s top young musicians and dancers for a spectacular finals showcase, with performers competing for honours across multiple categories. This year marked a record-breaking milestone for the programme, with more than 2,000 rangatahi performers taking part in the heats, up from 1,500 participants last year.

For over three decades, SUSO has been more than a talent competition. Delivered by Auckland Council, the programme helps rangatahi build confidence, develop their creative skills, receive guidance from industry professionals and gain invaluable experience performing on some of Auckland’s most prestigious stages.

Chair of the Community Committee, Councillor Julie Fairey, says SUSO plays an important role in helping young people realise their potential.

“Congratulations to every young person who took part in SUSO this year. The commitment, courage and passion it takes to even make it on to the stage is impressive, and the talent of these rangatahi is extraordinary. Programmes like SUSO help young people build confidence, discover their strengths and develop skills that stay with them long after the competition ends. Auckland should be incredibly proud of the creative talent coming through our schools.”

The impact of SUSO often extends well beyond the competition itself.

Among the programme’s many success stories is Auckland artist Nia Vavao known professionally as SPDRTWNBBY, who participated in SUSO during her school years and has since gone on to build a growing career in music.

Taking part in SUSO gave her the opportunity to perform in front of new audiences, learn from industry professionals and refine her creative voice alongside other talented young artists.

“SUSO challenged me to really hone my craft and take my music seriously. It pushed me to grow as a performer and gave me confidence in my own artistry. Being surrounded by so many talented young people showed me what was possible and inspired me to keep developing my sound.

“From the performers to the backstage crew, sound and lighting teams, judges and organisers, SUSO showed me how many people come together to create something special. That spirit of working together is something I’ve carried with me throughout my career.”

Today, Nia continues to release original music and establish herself as one of Auckland’s emerging artists, demonstrating the lasting impact programmes like SUSO have on young creatives.

Auckland Council Arts and Culture Programmer Gene Rivers says Nia’s story is just one of many success stories for artists who have been nurtured through the SUSO programme.

“Supporting creative pathways for rangatahi is at the heart of SUSO. One of the most rewarding things about SUSO is seeing former participants continue to thrive in the creative sector. Artists like SPDRTWNBBY demonstrate how important these opportunities can be in helping young people find their voice and connect with others who share their passion.

“SUSO is one important part of Auckland Council’s wider commitment to supporting rangatahi through arts, culture and community programmes that help young people build confidence, develop new skills and create pathways into future careers. The calibre of this year’s finalists has been exceptional, and we’re excited to see where their journeys take them next.”

As a UNESCO City of Music, Auckland is committed to supporting opportunities that help emerging artists develop their skills, grow their networks and gain valuable performance experience.

2026 SUSO RESULTS

Best Artist
Winner: Chopstix (Sancta Maria College)

Group Vocal
Winner: St Paul’s College Choir (St Paul’s College)
Runner-up: Avondale College Gospel Choir (Avondale College)

Solo Instrumental
Joint winners: Josh Engu (Manurewa High School) & Psalms Vaotuua (De La Salle College)

Solo Vocal
Winner: Maddison Meredith (Waitākere College)
Runner-up: Jahrian Siliva (Manurewa High School)

Dance
Winner: MHS Crew (McAuley High School)
Runner-up: Avcol Street Crew (Avondale College)

Originals
Best Group: Fever (Northcote College)
Best Solo: Elias (Green Bay High School)

Bands
Winner: Crown (Alfriston College)
Runner-up: Gray Ave (De La Salle College)

Electronic Music Categories

Creative Vision Award
Celebrating the strongest overall artistic expression

Aayush – Leave No Trace (Ormiston Senior College)

Production Excellence Award
Celebrating outstanding use of technology, sound and arrangement

Jonathan Dias – 4tify (Avondale College)

Performance Excellence Award
Celebrating outstanding vocal, instrumental or live performance

Dylia Walter-Laulu Tanuvasa – Fa’alogo (MIND) (St Mary’s College)