Since 2019, the DEPOT Schools Songwriting Competition has helped emerging young songwriters develop their craft, build confidence, and have their music heard.
The competition is open to all Intermediate and Secondary students in Tāmaki Makaurau. This competition has always been about celebrating young voices, creativity, and the power of original music.
2026 Songwriting Competition
now open for submissions
Dates
Entries close: September 30th 2026
Winners announced: November 2026
Divisions
Junior: Years 7–10
Senior: Years 11–13
Prizes
1st place in each division: Two days of recording time at Depot Sound
Runner-up in each division: One day of studio recording time at Depot Sound
Songs are Mixed and Mastered
The winning songs won’t just stay local — they’ll have the chance to be heard on the world stage. Winners will receive two days of free professional recording time at DEPOT Sound and will also have the option to be represented by Koze Music (Los Angeles), one of the leading sync agencies in the world. That means the finished songs could be pitched for placement in film, TV, video games, and advertising campaigns worldwide.
The DEPOT Sound Schools Songwriting Competition is about more than just prizes — it’s about creating opportunities, building confidence, and connecting young songwriters with real industry pathways.
2026 Judges
Amine Ramer – Music Supervisor Los Angeles/ Auckland
Samantha Santoyo – Koze Music Publishing Los Angeles
AJ Weaver- Cosmic Jelly (Los Angeles)
Past Songwriting Competitions
2025 Schools Songwriter Competition
Winners:
Intermediate Division:
🏆 Junior First: Human Enough by Sienna Fitzgerald
(Northcote College)
🏅 Junior Second: Tonight by Kiera Fabellar (Northcote Intermediate)
⭐ Junior Special Mention:
Wake Up Call (co-written by band Vortex) and Dishwash Cleaner, both by Laura Alchin (Northcote College)
Secondary Division:
🏆 Senior First: Polly Pocket by Emily Cuff (Long Bay)
🏅 Senior Second: Notice by Levol Y (Manurewa)
Honourable Mentions:
⭐ Do You Remember by Millie Liu
(Rangi Ruru) and Hold On by Jouitta (Southern Cross Campus)
2024 Schools Songwriter Competition
Winners:
Intermediate Division:
🏆 Winner: Hayley Amundsen – ‘Bad Vibes’ (Waitoki School)
🏅 Runner-up: Hayden, Finlay, Laura, Isla – ‘Holiday’ (Northcote Intermediate School)
Secondary Division:
🏆 Winner: Caleb Wright – ‘Strata’ (Rangitoto College)
🏅 Runner-up: Isis Pinero – ‘Forever’ (Takapuna Grammar School)
Honourable Mentions:
⭐ Blake Stainton – ‘Mr. Man in Black’ (Albany Senior High School)
⭐ James Todd – ‘Day ‘n Night’ (Rangitoto College)
2023 Schools Songwriter Competition
Winners:
Intermediate Division:
🏆 Winner: Sienna Fitzgerald
(Northcote Intermediate)
🏅 Runner-up: Maia Potter
(Albany Junior High)
Secondary Division:
🏆 Winner: Lily Williams
(Hobsonville Point Secondary School)
🏅 Runners-up: Elias Matheson
(Birkenhead College) and Caleb Wright (Rangitoto College
News
Stand-by for updates.
Gallery
Coming Soon.
