Stan Walker is inviting tamariki and rangatahi across Aotearoa to showcase their creativity, with two schools set to earn the opportunity to perform alongside him during his upcoming orchestral concerts.
The award-winning New Zealand singer is preparing for two rare performances with a full orchestra—one in Auckland and another in Christchurch—as part of The Symphonic Experience.
Stan Walker Releases New Song ‘Family Tree’
Walker’s new song, Family Tree, explores whānau, connection and identity.
The track was recently released on the Disney album Moana: Voices Across the Pacific, which brings together 25 artists from across the Pacific, spanning Australia to Hawaiʻi.
Walker performed a snippet of the song during an appearance on TVNZ’s Breakfast. He also discussed the track and took part in the 1News Grill.
The full performance and interview can be watched on Breakfast or streamed on TVNZ+.
Family Tree School Challenge Opens Across Aotearoa
Walker will launch the Family Tree School Challenge next week, inviting schoolchildren and teenagers throughout New Zealand to create their own interpretation of the song.
The challenge encourages young performers to make Family Tree their own while exploring the song’s themes of cultural identity, heritage and family connections.
Two Schools Will Perform Live With Stan Walker
Two schools will be selected through the competition—one from the North Island and one from the South Island.
The successful North Island school will perform Family Tree live with Walker during The Symphonic Experience in Auckland in October. Tickets for the Auckland concert have already sold out.
The selected South Island school will join Walker at the Christchurch performance in November, where tickets are selling quickly.
The Family Tree School Challenge will give talented young New Zealanders a rare opportunity to perform with one of Aotearoa’s best-known artists, accompanied by a full orchestra.
Alexander Donovan writes for News Collective, covering news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. He focuses on clear, reliable reporting and useful information, helping readers stay informed about current events, emerging trends, and stories that matter.