Pinehurst students had the special honour of performing for principals and senior education leaders from around the world this week taking to the stage at the International Confederation of Principals’ Convention 2026 in Auckland.
Held from 16–18 September at the New Zealand International Convention Centre, the convention brings together educational leaders from across the globe to share ideas, explore some of the challenges facing schools and consider the future of education and school leadership.
Hosted in Aotearoa New Zealand by the New Zealand Principals’ Federation, this year’s convention carries the theme Purapura Korari, Ka ruia e te hau – The seeds of the flax bush are dispersed by the four winds, reflecting ideas of new generations, equity and the sharing of knowledge and cultures from around the world.
Among this international gathering, Pinehurst had the very special honour of being the only primary school invited to provide musical performances at the convention.
Our Year 4–6 Primary Choir was joined by the Primary Marimba Group and College String Quartet to present a diverse programme of music including One Voice One Song, Pepeha, Ngā Iwi E, Fu Xiao, Le Aute, Marimba Jam and Hine e Hine.
Performing in the impressive surroundings of the New Zealand International Convention Centre, our students rose beautifully to the occasion. Their confidence, musicality and professionalism earned them a standing ovation from an audience of principals and educational leaders who had travelled to Auckland from around the world.
Adding to an already memorable occasion, a message was received from the Minister of Education during the performance congratulating the students and acknowledging the quality of their presentation – a very special recognition of the work that had gone into preparing for the event.
It was particularly fitting that young people should have a place within a convention centred on the future of education. While delegates gathered to exchange ideas about leadership, learning and the next generation of students, our Pinehurst musicians brought the student voice to the occasion in a very different way – through music.
The programme itself reflected that international spirit, bringing together music, languages and cultures and demonstrating the wonderful ability of music to create connections between people, wherever they come from.
A very special thank you goes to Eugenie Middleton, whose outstanding leadership, dedication and support made this opportunity possible. From preparing our young musicians for an international stage to bringing these different musical groups together, Eugenie’s contribution was instrumental in creating what became an outstanding performance and a very proud moment for Pinehurst.
Our thanks also go to Mr Ronayne, whose beautiful piano accompaniment supported our students throughout the performance, and to Josip Martincic for his outstanding stage management – both gave of their time and dedication towards this prestigious occasion.
To be invited to perform at an international gathering of this scale was a tremendous honour for Pinehurst and an experience our young musicians will remember for a long time.
Congratulations to every student and staff member involved. To see our students perform with such confidence and receive a standing ovation from an international audience was a very proud Pinehurst moment.
