New Zealand Secondary Students Choir (NZSSC) is the national choir for secondary school students, aged 13 to 18 years, who gather each school holidays for a week of rehearsals, and concerts throughout the country, and it culminates in a tour to an international choir festival or competition. NZSSC extends secondary students’ choral excellence and assist them to develop their leadership capabilities as key contributors to the New Zealand arts sector.

Three of our Westlake Students attended NZSSC during the April holiday break – Bella Allan-Moetaua, Emilie Murphy, and Abby Wang – and Bella has been appointed as the cultural leader for NZSSC for the 2023-2024 cycle.

“Having been in NZSSC for the 2021-2022 cycle, I feel so honoured to be in the choir for another cycle and to be able to share this experience with Emilie and Abby, as Westlake singers, this time around. Being in NZSSC, I have the opportunity to learn from Professionals and meet many talented and keen students from around New Zealand, creating lifelong bonds. I am incredibly honoured to have been selected as the Cultural leader of NZSSC. In this role I work with our Polynesian and Māori pieces with the choir to a National and International level, ensuring we protect and represent our cultural heritage appropriately for these music works.” – Bella Allen-Moetaua.