'We are the best at being ourselves': Māori-Pasifika choir wins gold at World Choir Games
The United Auckland Gospel Choir has won a gold medal at the 2026 World Choir Games in Sweden. The group, which includes members from Hamilton, competed in the prestigious Champions competition after success in the open category in 2024.
Why it matters
This victory highlights the growing international recognition of indigenous and Pasifika musical talent on a global stage traditionally dominated by Western choirs.
The United Auckland Gospel Choir has cemented its place among the world's leading choirs after winning gold at the 2026 World Choir Games in Sweden, an event once known as the "Choir Olympics".
"No one can beat us at being us," Seumanu Seuoti Simon Matāfai JP, who is the choir master and pianist, said.
"We are the best at being ourselves, as indigenous, Pasifika, Māori, and Oceania as a region."
The 50-strong group, who are predominantly Māori and Pasifika, was the only New Zealand and Pacific team to compete in a competition traditionally dominated by teams from the United States and the United Kingdom.
The last World Choir Games were held in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) back in 2024, with each competition hosting two levels: an open competition, and the Champions competition, which is the event's top tier.
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