A Celebration of Culture, Music and Community
2025 “SOUTHERN ALPS” New Zealand–China Senior Choir Competition & Festival
Golden Voices Shine at Holy Trinity Cathedral
The Double Ninth Festival (Chongyang Festival) is a time in Chinese culture to honour older people — celebrating respect, family and connection across generations. This year in Aotearoa New Zealand, that spirit came to life in a beautiful way through music.
On 25 October, the magnificent Holy Trinity Cathedral in Auckland was filled with the voices of more than 400 senior singers, as choirs from China and New Zealand came together for the 2025 “SOUTHERN ALPS” New Zealand–China Senior Choir Competition & Festival. The cathedral, known for hosting world-class performances, opened its doors to a morning that celebrated not just music, but life, dignity and the joy of ageing well.
Jointly organised by the New Zealand China Friendship Society and Southern Alps Retirement Living, the event concluded in a moving and unforgettable finale. Nearly 1,000 audience members gathered to witness an extraordinary coming-together of cultures, with choirs and performers from many backgrounds sharing the stage in harmony.
As sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows and danced across the soaring wooden ceilings, the cathedral seemed to glow with energy. Voices rose in unison, filling the space with emotion and meaning. Among the singers was the oldest participant — 93 years young — standing tall and shining with confidence, a wonderful reminder that age only adds to life’s richness.
When the final note faded beneath the great dome, what remained was more than applause: it was a shared sense of connection across cultures and generations — a moment that truly honoured life itself.
As the first large-scale choral competition bringing together senior singers from both China and New Zealand, the festival marked an important milestone in cultural exchange between the two countries.
Distinguished Guests: A Shared Celebration
The event was warmly supported by leaders from across government, culture and community, with close to 100 honoured guests in attendance, including:
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Representatives from the Chinese Consulate-General in Auckland
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Members of Parliament
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Director of the Auckland China Cultural Centre
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Vice Presidents of the New Zealand China Friendship Society Auckland Branch
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Leaders from Chinese community organisations, chambers of commerce, alumni groups and major enterprises
MP Dr Carlos Zhang shared:
“Age is never a barrier — it’s our mindset that shapes our lives. These seniors are a shining example to younger generations. Their passion lights the way for all of us.”
MP Nancy Lu spoke of her 96-year-old grandfather, who founded a choir in his retirement community at the age of 87:
“He still wakes every day full of purpose and joy. I wish all our elders a very happy Double Ninth Festival.”
Mr Wang Jianwen praised three highlights:
“The timing — beautifully aligned with the Double Ninth Festival.
The performers — full of skill and spirit.
And the purpose — this is not just a competition, it is a bridge between cultures.”
MP Melissa Lee said：
“Your dedication moves me deeply. No matter your age, your passion for singing enriches New Zealand and makes our communities stronger and more beautiful.”
MP Dr Parmjeet Parmar added:
“Music builds bridges. I don’t understand Mandarin beyond ‘hello’ and ‘thank you’, yet I feel every note. This is the power of music — and this event is a true symbol of mutual respect between our two nations.”
A congratulatory message was also sent by Auckland Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson, recognising the festival as:
“A celebration not only of music, but of Auckland’s diversity, inclusion and shared humanity.”
When Children and Elders Sing Side by Side
One of the most heart-warming moments was an intergenerational performance by The Cloud Children’s Choir, featuring singers aged five to seven, alongside two senior choirs. Together they performed the Māori song Pōkarekare Ana.
Young, clear voices blended beautifully with the rich harmonies of the elders — a powerful moment showing how music connects past and future, tradition and hope.
Voices from Near and Far
From the Nanjing University Senior Choir singing Moni Mountain, to New Zealand elderly dancers performing grassland melodies in flowing blue costumes, the programme was a true cultural journey.
The Tsinghua University Shanghai Alumni Choir brought modern songs The Same Song and Youth.Fashion and heritage came alive through elegant qipao, presented by the North Shore Chinese Association.
Each performance told a story — of memory, identity, pride and joy.
Music Without Borders
The Ngāti Wai Kapa Haka Group shared stunning Māori waiata and poi, while Sri Lankan dancers and New Zealand youth performers added global colour and rhythm. On that stage, Auckland truly became a city singing with one voice.
A Panel of Musical Excellence
The judging panel included:
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David Squire – Former Musical Director, NZ Youth Choir, Auckland Youth Choir
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Peter Watts – Director, Holy Trinity Cathedral Choir; former Music Director of the Auckland Choral Society for 20 years
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Jianhong Meng – Tenor, NZ Opera
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Mengmeng Zhang –China’s National Grade-One Performer and Cultural Educator
More Than Music — A Legacy of Warmth
Although awards were presented to the Top Ten Choirs and six special honours, the greatest applause belonged to every elder who stepped onto the stage.
This was more than a performance.
More than a competition.
It was a gathering of hearts.
A meeting of cultures.
A bridge between China and New Zealand.
Beneath the great cathedral dome, elders and children, Māori and Chinese, East and West raised their voices together.
And when the final echo faded,
the warmth of the festival stayed on —
like music,
forever in the heart.
