• Name: Hayley Westenra
• Birth name: Hayley Dee Westenra
• Birth Date: April 10, 1987
• Birth Place: Christchurch, New Zealand
• Parents: Jill and Gerald Westenra
• Siblings: younger sister, Sophie & a younger brother, Isaac
• Height: 5'5" (1.67 m)
• Hobbies: Violin, Piano, Rock Climbing, X-country running
• Occupation: Singer
• Genres: Classical, Pop, Celtic
• Debut Album: Hayley Westenra (2001)

"I get a lot of pleasure and satisfaction out of giving pleasure to people through my singing; that's fantastic, but it's only entertainment."

Hayley Westenra was born on April 10, 1987, in Christchurch, New Zealand. She is the daughter of Jill and Gerald Westenra and has two siblings, Isaac and Sophie. She comes from a musically inclined family - her grandmother Shirley Ireland was a singer and her grandfather was a pianist who played the piano accordion.

Hayley began her musical career at the early age of six when she starred in her school's Christmas play called "The Littlest Star" and impressed audiences with her singing part. After taking music lessons, she performed in more than 40 stage productions by the time she was 11. She made her professional recording studio debut at age 13 with Walking in the Air, an independently produced demo made for family and friends. At the age of 14 she made a self-titled collection, Hayley Westenra (2001), that took her country by storm.

Although her albums were quite successful in New Zealand, she was unknown worldwide until she landed a contract with Decca Records and recorded Pure, a CD of classical, light pop and traditional Maori songs. She achieved international stardom at age sixteen and her international debut album Pure became No. 1 classical hit in such countries as the UK, Australia and Hong Kong. Poised, angelic and characterised by its breath-taking natural beauty, Hayley's voice won the hearts of millions.

Treasure, Westenra's new international album, was launched in the UK on February 26, 2007, and in the US on March 13 (under the name Celtic Treasure).

Hayley's amazing voice has ensured her a place within the pantheon of great singers, and her drive and determination is virtually impossible to ignore. With several hit albums and hundreds of concert appearances behind her, Hayley has established herself as a natural successor to such talented soloists as Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion.

Hayley Westenra is also the youngest UNICEF Ambassador to date and has been lauded for her charitable contributions to the world. She is undoubtedly an ideal role model for the millions of little girls that look up to her.

• 2000: Walking in the Air
• 2001: Hayley Westenra
• 2001: My Gift to You
• 2003: Pure
• 2005: Odyssey
• 2005: Live From New Zealand
• 2007: Celtic Woman: A New Journey
• 2007: Treasure