The 2024 Lexus Song Quest took place in Wellington last week, in association with the Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation.
The event awarded its finalists $92,000 in prizes.
Austin Haynes, who grew up in Arrowtown, finished third, taking home $15,000.
He described the event as "such a thrill" and was excited to share the stage at the Michael Fowler Centre with other talented singers.
Mr Haynes performed one art song with piano and two arias with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, calling the intense 10-day process a test of "endurance and stamina".
He planned to use his prize money to support his career as he moves to London in September, pursuing a master’s degree in voice at the Royal College of Music on a full scholarship.
"I’m really looking forward to working with a new cohort of musical colleagues and diving into all the opportunities the next step has to offer."
Meeting Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, who offered him advice and guidance with his singing, was the highlight of his night, he said.
"It was such a privilege to be able to meet her as she has been an inspiration for me as a young singer from Aotearoa.
"Some of my aunties also got to meet her, and I think we were all a bit starstruck — a very special moment indeed."
Mr Haynes said music was "good for the soul", and there was privilege and honour in being a classical singer.
"I’m able to spend my time learning music that is sometimes four centuries old.
"And as performers, we are tasked with finding the grain of humanity in that piece — whether it be love, despair, hope or ecstatic joy."
Though not Māori, Mr Haynes had a strong appreciation for the language and culture, dedicating time to teaching te reo online and researching a PhD at Victoria University in Wellington.
His research focused on the history of translating English literature and songs into te reo.
Despite his busy schedule, Mr Haynes missed his hometown, Arrowtown.
"I miss seeing people back home there and being around nature there and love going back to see Waiwhakaata [Lake Hayes] and going for walks up in the hills behind Kā Muriwai [Arrowtown]."
Grammy award-winning opera singer and judge Sumi Jo praised the high standard of the finalists, highlighting their stunning voices, flawless technique and star quality.
Katie Trigg won first place, receiving $50,000, while runner-up Manase Latu took home $20,000.
Finalists Tayla Alexander and Andrew Morgan-King each received $3500.
Lexus New Zealand vice-president Andrew Davis called the event a "spectacular evening".
