Our local winners truly know how to Stand Up and Stand Out!
Congratulations to all our local artists from De La Salle, Aorere and Tangaroa college’s, who competed at the Stand Up Stand Out (SUSO) showcase on Saturday 14 September, alongside emerging artists from across Tāmaki Makaurau.
SUSO is Auckland’s premier music, and dance competition, featuring secondary-school talent from across Tāmaki Makaurau competing in five categories: dance, solo instrumental, group vocal, solo vocal and bands.
Manuaku Ward Councillor Lotu Fuli shares, “I am excited to see that once again the schools from the Manukau Ward have done well in many of the categories. Congratulations to the winners from Tangaroa College and Aorere College, as well as the runners up from De La Salle College and Aorere College.
“All the participants performed to a high standard and proved that Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is the home of talented rangatahi and the beating heart of our creative future.
“I look forward to seeing these talented young Aucklanders take their music/dance to the world. I am proud to be a part of Auckland Council and the support we provide to wonderful events like SUSO.”
Ōtara-Papatoetoe local board chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia highlighted that this celebration is not just sweet – it’s a two-fold achievement.
“This is a display of the natural talent we have in South Auckland amongst our youth. We love to sing; we love to make music. We grow up surrounded with music, whether in church or at home,” says Apulu.
What makes this showcase even more special is that it has its roots in Ōtara, where it all began at the Ōtara Music and Arts Centre (OMAC), a local board facility.
“OMAC provides an avenue for our talented locals to hone their skills and perform and showcase our love for music. The Ōtara-Papatoetoe local board is proud to continue to ensure OMAC is the heart of South Auckland talent," adds Apulu.
SUSO is an Auckland Council initiative, in partnership with Auckland Live, Rockshop and Auckland UNESCO City of Music.
Stand Up Stand Out is Auckland’s premier music and dance competition, running for over 35 years. It showcases secondary school talent from Tāmaki Makaurau, representing 46 schools. This year features 15 outstanding acts across categories like group vocal, solo instrumental, solo vocal, dance, bands, and a new category: SUSO electronic. Many past participants have gone on to achieve top industry honours.
Talented local solo instrumental artists which included: Ioane Pasikala (Aorere College), Psalms Vaotuua (De La Salle College), and Tevita Finau (Tangaroa College).
Group Vocal Category
|
Name |
School |
|
Toka Tu Moana Choir (Winner) |
Tangaroa College |
Solo Instrumental Category
|
Name |
School |
|
Ioane Pasikala (Runner Up) |
Aorere College |
Solo Vocal Category
|
Name |
School |
|
Cyrus Holloway (Runner Up) |
De La Salle College |
Dance Category
|
Name |
School |
|
AO Elite (Winner) |
Aorere College |
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