The inaugural Kiri Te Kanawa Song Quest has announced its 2026 winners following the competition on July 11, 2026 in Te Whanganui-a-Tara. 

This year, the first prize winner was New Zealand countertenor Samuel Mataelet.

In a statement Mataelete said, “This competition offers not only the financial support, with the prize money that is won, but also the publicity to sort of get you noticed overseas.”

The Second prize was awarded to soprano Sarah Mileham, and third prize to the tenor Samuel Downes.

The three winners competed with six Finalists, selected by International Head Judge Frederica von Stade, and Panel Judges, former Song Quest winner and New Zealand baritone Phillip Rhodes, and soprano Joanna Foote.

You can rewatch the competition here: