Elias Hunt (Yr 12)

Friday, 16th October 2026 at 9:50am

It is with great pride that we celebrate Elias Hunt and his outstanding achievement at the 2026 Stand Up Stand Out (SUSO) competition, where he won the Composition Category.

From winning the APRA Award at Rockquest 2025 to taking out a regional title at the renowned SUSO competition, Elias continues to demonstrate his talent and passion for music. We are incredibly proud to share his achievements.

To reach the Auckland Town Hall stage in the Auckland CBD, Elias had to make it through two heats, making his win an even more remarkable accomplishment.

Elias has shared his experience below:

“Playing at the 2026 Stand Up Stand Out competition was a dream come true for me. It was the highlight of my year and the first competition I won for music. It felt rewarding being in the practising rooms and knowing that I had made it this far into the competition.

I performed my original song, ‘Hold Me Whilst I Grow’. It is a personal song about a child's realisation that they won't have their parents forever and that, one day, they will pass away. The child expresses their struggle to move on when that time comes.

Having this song win the competition filled me with joy. Knowing that it served its purpose by touching the hearts of the judges and audience meant so much to me. It also allowed me to share the reason I write music and my joy for performing and sharing my art.

I am so grateful to Gene Rivers and Sam V for accepting me to perform at SUSO and for choosing me as the winner of my category.

I am forever grateful to my parents, and especially Mrs Warbrick, for supporting my passion and opening the doors to all these opportunities. They are truly the spark that drives me to continue growing in music.”

Well done, Elias!

We are incredibly proud of your achievements and the way you continue to share your passion. We look forward to seeing where your musical journey takes you next!

Ngā mihi nui,

Miss Warbrick HOD Music Green Bay High School