Winners of Caritas justice song contest announced

Adrienne Walter-Laulu from St Mary's College Auckland (Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand)

More than 400 students from the country's six Catholic dioceses took part in Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand’s SINGout4JUSTICE competition for 2026.

This year, students were invited to “Raise Your Voice, Sing for Justice” – composing an original song or performing an existing one that speaks up for environmental justice, peace, human dignity or another social justice issue close to their hearts.

The winners were announced this month and Caritas extended “heartfelt congratulations” to them, saying the winners showed “a real commitment to and love for their faith, alongside a genuine desire to make the world a better place”.

The winners of the Original Composition Senior Category (years 11-13) were Adrienne Walter-Laulu from St Mary’s College, Auckland, with A Place for Everyone, and Marama Hambly from Samuel Marsden Collegiate School, Wellington, with E tū tahi ana.

The Original Composition Middle Category (years 7-10) winners were Rhys Longid and Angela Rosero from St Pius X School, Melville, with Treat Me Like One, and The Elementals from Aquinas College, Tauranga, with Rich Man’s War.

The Original Composition Junior Category (years 1-6) was won by St Mary’s School, Tauranga, with Manaakitanga.

Cover performance winners were Sia Mau’u, Azaeniah Poe-Timu and Pualani Fononga from St Dominic’s Catholic College, Auckland (Senior Category); Ava Gardner, Evelyn Strange, Becky Ryder from Aquinas College, Tauranga (Middle Category); and St Theresa’s School, Plimmerton (Junior Category).

The Whole School Category winner was St John the Evangelist Catholic School, Otara.

Nine other entries received highly commended awards.

FULL STORY

SINGout4JUSTICE (Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand)

RELATED STORY

St Mary’s College students win at Smokefree Tangata Beats 2026 (Smokefree Tangata Beats)

The latest from
CathNews

Newsletter Signup

Receive CathNews New Zealand updates in your email every Tuesday and Friday

First Name(Required)
Last Name