For Lotosina, who was one of the youngest members of the 60-member choir, it was an emotional end to a two-year stint in the choir and the chance to perform in front of her school choir, the silver medal-winning St Cecilia Singers.

“I was so excited to perform our repertoire for the top school choirs in New Zealand, and hopefully influence others to audition for the choir later this year,” she says.

“It was a great way to finish the cycle and having my school there watching was very moving.”

The choir, made up of secondary school students from throughout the country, recently travelled to Shanghai, Hangzhou and Beijing as part of its 2024 international tour, performing in international competitions and festivals and taking part in cultural exchanges.

Lotosina, who has won the school’s Aria Competition for three consecutive years and had a lead role in this year’s record-breaking production of the Sound of Music, says the trip has been the highlight of her year.

“It was great to immerse myself in a whole new culture and environment, learning about different customs and traditions, as well as building my relationships with my fellow choir members,” she says.

“The most special thing about the tour was sharing not just New Zealand culture with China and its people, but also my Samoan culture.

“The NZSSC had prepared Māori pieces to take with us, as well as a Samoan piece. Performing these pieces was always really special and it made us incredibly proud to represent New Zealand.”

She’s hoping that her experience of being in the national choir will inspire other students at Dio to follow her path. During every school holiday, the choir meets for a week in a different city throughout the country to rehearse together, and then perform for the public.

“Being with a group of people who are just as passionate as you are about singing is truly amazing,” she says.

“I found it a life-changing experience, and it’s helped convince me that I want to follow a future career path as a singer and musician,”

“I’d love to join the New Zealand Youth Choir, and study voice or music at university.”

Shelagh Thomson, Director of Performing Arts at Dio, paid tribute to Lotosina’s talent and dedication.

“Lotosina knows what it means to perform at a very high level, to commit and work as part of a team,” she says.

“For her to be selected for the New Zealand Secondary Students Choir at such a young age is true testimony to her advanced musicianship. To be working with the very best choral directors in the country and singing alongside the very best young choristers nationwide, has been a life-changing experience for her.”

Lotosina has loved performing from a young age, and in addition to her singing success, has played principal euphonium in both the Symphony and Concert Band for many years. However, one of the roles she’s most proud of is her leadership of the school’s Pasifika Group.

“I’ve always been very involved with my Samoan culture and it’s something that I grew up learning about and embracing, so when I came to Dio there was no question about continuing to explore and celebrate my culture here as well.

“What I love most about singing and music is that it’s a universal language that brings people together, helping them connect on a deeper level. It transcends boundaries, unites people, and speaks directly to the heart.”

Most recently, Lotosina has been selected for the New Zealand Secondary Schools Choir for the second time. Additionally, she has been named Dio Head Prefect for 2025.

Congratulations on all your successes in 2024, Lotosina. We look forward to watching you flourish in 2025!