The Opera School motto in Latin is ‘Nihil tumultus tantum opera’ which translated is ‘Minimum fuss, maximum work’ and the New Zealand Kokako is chosen for the logo because it has beautiful, clear, organ-like song. It can carry over great distances. Every Kokako population has its own distinctive song a phenomenon which many consider analogous to human dialects Bianca Andrew at the 2011 Gala evening
 

Students of the New Zealand Opera School

In 2012 there were 24 students; 11 returning and 13 new with 2 observers  
Andrew Bianca Mezzo Soprano Wellington return
Atkins Thomas Tenor Wellington new
Austin Bernice Soprano Auckland new
Costello Bridget Soprano Auckland return
Diaz Stephen Countertenor Emerging Artist return
Edris Amina Soprano Christchurch new
Fai-Hulton Elisha Mezzo Soprano Palmerston North return
Filer Claire Mezzo Soprano Auckland new
Fraser Emma Soprano Emerging Artist new
Gravatt Thomas Bass/Baritone Auckland return
MacDonald Angelique Soprano Kapiti new
Mandeno Elizabeth Soprano Auckland new
McKay Moses Baritone Emerging Artist new
Moore Isabella Soprano Auckland return
Newman Emma Soprano Gisborne new
Orgias Christina Soprano Auckland new
Pati Amitai Tenor Auckland new
Rayner Kieran Baritone Waikanae return
Ryman Amelia Soprano Wanganui new
Schneider Anthony Baritone Auckland return
Sewell Oliver Tenor Christchurch return
Smith Ella Soprano Auckland new
Thirlwall Imogen Soprano Tauranga return
Williams Bryony Soprano New Plymouth return
Xiao Ma Countertenor Chengdu, China observer
McKnight Edward Baritone   observer