Young opera singers now have a better chance of breaking on to the world stage with the help of one of the country's greats, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.
Dame Kiri Te Kanawa has started a foundation in her own name to help equip young New Zealand singers to achieve the international careers they yearn for.
The Singer Development Programme is eight years in the making, as Dame Kiri took time to identify gaps in the skill sets of young singers.
Dame Kiri says the programme is targeted at those who are heading overseas to further their training, take part in extremely competitive auditions and be awarded performance contracts in what she calls a "hard-edged" opera world.
"They have to be more resilient, both physically and psychologically, than in the past - and they have to be assured communicators."
She says there are so many extra skills that singers need to master.
"They have to develop competency in management, budgeting, marketing, planning and negotiating. They need legal, contract and presentation skills, along with flexibility and resourcefulness - not to mention movement and acting skills."
Six singers have been selected for the first module of the development programme this month.
Each student will be assigned a personal mentor who will help them through the five modules of the programme.
The costs of the first year will be underwritten by the Foundation - however financial support from donors is also needed.
"If it is to succeed on all fronts, it will require generous partners with vision and commitment to making a difference," Dame Kiri says.
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