Run by The Kind Foundation since 2012, Platform gives emerging performers an opportunity to step onto the stage, share their talent and gain valuable performance experience.

The finalists were assessed by a judging panel comprising Toby Behan, Glen Harris, Anna Howat and Tom Harris, whose collective experience spans professional ballet, choreography, musical theatre, composition, performance and music education

A guitarist and vocalist with the band Jüvee, 16 year old Zack Johnson received $1,000 for winning the music category and a further $1,500 as the evening’s Supreme Winner. On the night, Zack sung a cover of Radiohead’s Fake Plastic Trees, delivering a very emotional performance that touched all of the judges. He has been influenced by his favourite artist, Jeff Buckley, as well as a wide range of other performers – young and old – and describes music as a big part of who he is, something he hopes to continue developing.

Movement winner Carys McDonald, 13, performed a beautiful contemporary routine choreographed by her sister Maddie (who was also a finalist), set to musical track Voila. Carys has danced competitively for seven years and earlier this year was crowned a National Champion in four disciplines at the New Zealand Dance Awards. She will head to the Gold Coast in January 2027 to compete in the Dancer of the Year competition at the Showcase Australian Dance Championships.

Music runner-up Violet McInnes, 15, has been performing and writing her own songs since she was seven. The Christchurch singer-songwriter is a two-time finalist in the Play It Strange songwriting competitions and has already released original music. Movement runner-up Rose Cudmore has been dancing since she was five and currently trains at Canterbury Ballet in Christchurch. She will move to Spain in the new year on a scholarship to Ballet de Catalunya as she pursues her dream of becoming a professional ballerina.

The People’s Choice Award went to Harper MacPherson for a stunning aerial lyra performance, while 2025 music winner Briar Sharp returned for a special guest performance. Last year’s Supreme Winner, Hamish Giddens, is now in London studying at the Royal Ballet School, continuing a proud history of Platform performers taking their talents further.

At the end of the show the judges made special mention of the bravery and courage shown by the young performers, many of whom took the experience a step further by performing their own original pieces. After being announced as Supreme Winner, Zack Johnson returned to the stage to sign again, but this time (after checking with the audience) he performed an original song of his own, providing a brilliant and fitting finale to the evening.

It was a fantastic night celebrating young talent, creativity and the courage to step onto a stage and perform, and another special chapter in Platform’s story.

Platform 2026 was made possible with the generous support of platinum partner BMS Insurance Group.