Labour Arts, Culture and Heritage spokesperson Rachel Boyack has congratulated the New Zealand Youth Choir on winning the prestigious ‘Choir of the World’ competition at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod in Wales.

“These outstanding young singers are incredible ambassadors for Aotearoa New Zealand on the world stage,” Rachel Boyack said. 

“They have a large following here in New Zealand and internationally, due to their unique blend of Māori waiata and kapa haka with traditional choral repertoire. New Zealanders should be very proud of their success. 

“I watched their winning set this morning after waking up to hear this very exciting news. I’ve been lucky to see the choir perform this year, including at Waitangi on Waitangi Day, and it is incredible to see how much they’ve achieved. I am hugely proud of every one of them,” Rachel Boyack said. 

Note to editors: The Choir last won the title of ‘Choir of the World’ in 1999. During their 2025 European tour, they also won the Grand Prix of Nations at the European Choir Games in Aarhus, Denmark. Rachel Boyack was a member of the choir from 2000-2004.