Youth Calendar
What's happening in Central Otago
Play It Strange National Songwriting Competition 2026 (Online)
Dates: Sun, 1 February 2026 - Sun, 26 July 2026
Open to NZ secondary school students in Years 9-13, this flagship competition encourages rangatahi songwriters to creatively express themselves no matter the theme, genre, language or style.
This year's competition will be judged by a panel of judges. The recording quality of the entry is not taken into account in the judging process.
1st place wins:
$10,000 music video promo package thanks to NZ On Air
1:1 mentor session with a competition judge
Performance at our Annual Awards
Artist Development session with Sacha Vee
ALL finalists will have their song recorded in a professional recording studio (one day up to the value of $850+GST) to go on one of the 2026 National Songwriting Competition digital albums.
Photo: 2025 Winner Salem MÄhia Randall from Gisborne Boys High School
Photo Credit: Taylor Vincent
Location
July 2026
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