Congratulations to Dornia Silupe-Ulumani for placing third in the 2026 Play It Strange Junior Songwriting Competition.

Congratulations to Onehunga High School Year 11 student Dornia Silupe-Ulumani, who has achieved third place in the nationwide 2026 Play It Strange Junior Songwriting Competition with her original song The Home of the Gone. The competition attracted 176 original song entries from Year 9–11 students across Aotearoa, recognising emerging young songwriting talent from around the country. Dornia’s success is particularly significant as this was her first year entering the competition.

Performing under the artist name “Dornia”, she was recognised by judges for her originality and musical creativity. As a third-place recipient, Dornia received a $200 MusicWorks voucher and has been selected as one of 48 finalists whose songs will be professionally recorded in studios across New Zealand. The Play It Strange competitions are highly regarded for supporting and developing young musicians, providing opportunities for students to share their work in a professional and industry-supported environment.

Onehunga High School is extremely proud of Dornia’s achievement and congratulates her on this outstanding national recognition.