SAE Auckland is proud to celebrate three exceptional young women who have been awarded at the 2026 National Youth Jazz Competition in Tauranga, on March 30th – April 1st, recognising their outstanding talent and contribution to Aotearoa’s emerging jazz community:
Now in its 48th year, the National Youth Jazz Competition continues its long-standing tradition of nurturing the next generation of jazz artists. Held annually in Tauranga with the support of the Tauranga Jazz Society, the competition provides young musicians from across New Zealand with a valuable platform for artistic development. Participants engage in workshops, educational programmes and live performances while receiving national recognition for their dedication, creativity and musical ability.
Liam Ryan of the Tauranga Jazz Society said the organisation was proud to honour this year’s scholarship recipients.
“We were extremely excited to present these awards and recognition to these deserving musicians. Their artistry and drive signal a bright future for the next generation of jazz in Aotearoa. We are proud to be empowering three talented women and supporting diverse creatives in Aotearoa’s music community,” Liam Ryan says.
Renowned for its rigorous judging process and professional performance standards, the National Youth Jazz Competition offers students an authentic industry experience. Participants perform before expert judges, receive detailed feedback on their musicianship, and take part in workshops that reflect real-world music-industry environments. For many young artists, the competition represents their first opportunity to have their work assessed on a national stage.
SAE, a global leader in creative media education, remains committed to supporting emerging talent and fostering greater accessibility and representation within the creative industries. This commitment aligns closely with the National Youth Jazz Competition’s ongoing efforts to highlight and support young women excelling in the music community.
SAE Auckland and the Tauranga Jazz Society recognise the achievements of three outstanding winners: Caitlin Lewis, a vocalist from Cambridge High School Waikato, Reiss Fatani, a saxophonist from Burnside High School, Christchurch and Sasha Whitlock, a trombonist from St Cuthbert’s College, Auckland, whose outstanding performances stood out among the nation’s young jazz musicians. Their success reflects a growing wave of female representation helping to shape the future of New Zealand’s jazz scene and the wider creative industry.
To mark their achievements, SAE has presented each recipient with a curated SAE gift pack and formal recognition of their success. The gesture celebrates the dedication, perseverance and skill required to reach this milestone in their musical journeys.
“SAE understands the importance of celebrating creative wāhine across Aotearoa and within our creative landscape,” said Dr Suzette Major, Campus Director at SAE Auckland. “We are excited to see how these young women will continue to influence the music industry with their outstanding talent, skill and dedication. We warmly congratulate them on their achievements.”
By recognising these three winners, SAE acknowledges both their individual accomplishments and the broader movement toward greater diversity and visibility within New Zealand’s music industry. Their success is a testament to the creativity, determination, and resilience of Aotearoa’s young jazz artists.
