Previous NZ Aria Winners
2025 NZ Aria Winner - Sarah Mileham
Sarah Mileham, winner of the 2025 Coombes Johnston BMW New Zealand Aria Competition, says the experience has played an important role in her development as a singer and in preparing her for the next stage of her career.
Sarah first competed in the New Zealand Aria in 2023, reaching the finals and performing with an orchestra for the first time.
“It taught me so much. It taught me to pick the right repertoire. It taught me how to work with a conductor and a really amazing orchestra.”
Returning to the competition over the following years, Sarah continued to build on that experience before taking out the top prize in 2025.
“Being able to win it in 2025 and look back, it’s been a wonderful point in my career to acknowledge the work that’s been put in over those three years.”
The first prize has also provided valuable financial support as Sarah takes the next steps in her career. In early 2026 she completed her first audition tour, something she says would not have been possible without the support of the competition.
“The financial support that comes with this competition is life changing. I couldn’t have gone on my audition tour without it.”
Sarah began 2026 at the New Zealand Opera School and continued her development with Te Pae Kōkako, the Aotearoa New Zealand Opera Studio, which she credits with helping prepare her for the New Zealand Aria and the next steps in her career.
Her 2026 performance schedule also includes singing Barbarina in The Marriage of Figaro with New Zealand Opera and Poussette in Manon with Wellington Opera.
Looking ahead, Sarah hopes to take her career overseas and says the opportunities and financial support provided through the New Zealand Aria will continue to support that journey.
She also hopes future generations of New Zealand singers will have the same opportunity.
“I hope that continues on for many, many years to come for all of the singers that will come out of New Zealand because this country is really amazing for the opera singers that it makes and we’re many strong out there in the world.”
Sarah says she is honoured to be part of the list of accomplished singers who have won the competition before her.
“I just want to say thank you so much to such a wonderful competition for supporting my career and I’m really excited to share with you all where I go in the future.”
2023 NZ Aria Winner -Felicity Tomkins
Felicity Tomkins, the 2023 NZ Aria Competition winner, describes singing with the Auckland Philharmonia in the final round as a “fantastic” and “thrilling experience.”
Reflecting on the moment, she says, “Performing alongside such talented musicians was unforgettable.”
To prepare for the competition, Felicity chose a repertoire that resonated with her, featuring characters and stories that were particularly meaningful. She worked closely with her teachers and coaches leading up to the event. Her advice for future participants is to “enjoy your singing! If you do, you’ll ensure that you’re giving your very best.”
Winning the NZ Aria held a special significance for Felicity, who had recently returned home after an extended time abroad. “To win one of Aotearoa’s most prestigious singing competitions shortly after returning was certainly a very warm welcome,” she shares.
Looking ahead, Felicity plans to continue her journey as an artist, pursuing freelancing opportunities and auditioning for further professional training, particularly in Europe. “It is now more difficult than ever post-COVID pandemic, with the performing arts industries still in a bottleneck,” she acknowledges, adding that “patience and perseverance are certainly key.”
Felicity also expresses deep gratitude to the NZ Aria team and sponsors, recalling her early days in the competition: “I remember entering as a younger singer and am proud to have participated over the years, learning, and growing as a performer each time. It is such an important part of the musical scene in Aotearoa—long may it continue.”
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