# Pacific Voices Shine in Kiri Te Kanawa Final | Auckland News

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/auckland-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7853371/pacific-voices-shine-in-kiri-te-kanawa-final-auckland-news
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/auckland-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7853371/pacific-voices-shine-in-kiri-te-kanawa-final-auckland-news.md
Podcast: [Auckland News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!](https://stenobird.com/podcast/auckland-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7853371)
Published: 2026-07-11T06:12:03+00:00
Episode link: https://sources.thednn.ai/90c674d6f0e10914
Audio file: https://api.fastcast.ai/audio/58bb6be1-0d20-4d3b-92dd-8b7e0e80029c.mp3
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Duration seconds: 116

## Resource

This year’s Kiri Te Kanawa Song Quest grand final is a powerhouse of talent—with half the finalists hailing from Pacific island backgrounds, including Samoan brothers Faamanu and Jordan Fonoti-Fuimaono, and Tongan singer Samuel Mataele. Celebrating its 70th anniversary, this prestigious New Zealand classical music event returns to Wellington on July 11, 2026, featuring the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and legendary judge Frederica von Stade. With a $95,500 prize and a legacy of launching global careers—including Dame Kiri herself—the competition spotlights not just vocal excellence, but the rich storytelling of Pacific cultures. Finalists like 19-year-old counter-tenor Samuel Mataele are thrilled to represent their heritage and hope to inspire the next generation of Pacific artists in classical music. The Fonoti-Fuimaono brothers emphasize unity over competition, making this year’s final not just a showcase of talent, but a celebration of cultural pride and artistic potential. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/90c674d6f0e10914

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