About us

Our mission

Our mission is to support the performing arts in Southland. We are committed to providing Southland Competitors with opportunities to compete in their chosen art form with high quality adjudicators in hand picked venues. Competitors can enter PACANZ nomination classes to win entry to the prestigious national competition. 

Entry for the public to all our venues is free, as we seek to encourage spectators and foster love of the arts in our region. 

How we started

 It is believed the society was formed in 1910 for the purpose of running an annual festival for the performing arts. On the 26th of February 1947 Southland Competitions Society Inc was Incorporated. We are also a registered charity as a not-for-profit organisation. 

The competitions have provided a platform for young people to share their talents and gain experience in public performance. While most of the entrants are of school age, there are also Open events and opportunities for amateur competitors of all ages, in some art forms.