MENZA

Young Jazz Bandit
2025-09-20 00:00 - 23:59 (Pacific/Auckland) | Wellington
Created by Rodger Fox, continued by a village
For the first two years, Young Jazz Band-it was directed by Rodger Fox. With his passing in 2024, a group of like-minded organisations picked up his partial plans and pushed the 2024 festival over the line.
This year – in partnership with the MEFA Festival, NZSM Te Koki, Youthtown, and the Aotearoa Jazz Education and Performance Trust – we are excited to continue to grow the festival, and cement it as a key event in schools annual jazz calendar.
There are three elements to the Young Jazz Band-It competition contested by auditioned High School and Intermediate School Jazz Bands, composers and soloists: Essential NZ Jazz Band Competition, NZ Jazz Composition Competition and NZ Jazz Improvisation Competition.
Click here for more info and to register.

MENZA WOF 2025 (Wellington Orchestra Festival)
2025-10-08 09:30 - 17:00 | Wellington College, 15 Dufferin St, Mount Victoria, Wellington, 6021, New Zealand
A day of orchestral rehearsal and performance for Primary-aged students who can read music and play an instrument.
We have six pieces arranged by Richard Oswin, ranging from classical favourites to film scores and pop hits.
This is an ideal opportunity for students who practice mostly on their own to join other students and make music as an ensemble. The technical difficulty of the music is suitable for students in their second or third year of learning onwards. Along with the four orchestra sections, there are parts for drum kit, hand percussion, guitar, bass, keyboard, Orff xylophone and recorders. Students can work on their parts with instrumental tutors leading up to the day, preparing to play all six pieces. Schools are also welcome to use the repertoire in their own ensembles during the year.
WOF is conducted by Mike Ashton. The day begins with a massed rehearsal, followed by sectionals led by musicians from Orchestra Wellington and finishes with a concert of the six pieces, which whanau can attend. The concert will also include a guest performance by Orchestra Wellington musicians.
Schools registered for WOF will also get the opportunity to take part in Orchestra Wellington’s Education in Schools Programme – Orchestra Wellington will come to your school to help prepare your students! Schools registered for WOF can sign up for this by contacting Hannah Neman.
Contact Joanna Calvert if you have any questions. We encourage new schools and students to participate in this event… come and join the fun. Sign up for WOF using the link below and then you will get sent the sheet music to start practising!
Register here.
MENZA members $100 per school
non-MENZA members $130 (includes membership to MENZA).
Invoices will be sent on registration.

Toi Ihiihi Wānanga, Te Whanganui-a-Tara presented by CATA & MENZA
2026-04-10 10:00 - 2026-04-12 16:00 | Victoria University of Wellington, Kelburn Parade, Wellington, 6012, New Zealand
Nau mai haere mai ki te Āo Pūoro me ngā Toi Māori. He mihi nui ki a koutou katoa.
On behalf of MENZA and Canterbury Arts Teachers Association (CATA) we welcome you to come and join us and explore our world of māori music and arts.
Tēnā koa whakakī te puka rēhita, haere mai ki te tūhura me te pākiki tahi me mātou, kia anga whakamua!
Please fill out the registration form, come and explore and be curious with us, moving forward!
Ngā Taipitopito – Details:
Venue: Victoria University, Te Whanganui-a-Tara
Dates: Friday 10th April – Sunday 12th April 2026, 4pm kia mutu
Pōwhiri: 10am
Koha: a gift to Mana whenua – can be a taonga, money or traditional rongoa
Ngā Kaiwhakahaere – Facilitators: Horomona Horo and Regan Balzer, Wiremu Sarich, Kylie Simeon, Sarah Hera Maxwell, Hunia Manuel, Kat Lilly
Mauria mai āu taputapu – what to bring:
– Blanket
– Pillow
– Sheet
– Towels
– Toiletries etc
– Appropriate clothing
– Instrument (could be a taonga pūoro, guitar, harp, trumpet, stone, spoons, shell, stick, stone kei a koe te tīkanga, it is up to you how big or small).
Māu e whakarite he waka kia tae atu koe ki te Whare Wānanga.
Please arrange your transport to and from the University.
Mā Te Herenga Waka e manaaki i a tātou.
Full catering and accommodation are provided.
There may be a cost of $235 for primary teachers, and $285 for secondary teachers. More information is on the registration form.
MENZA Organisation Contact: admin@menza.co.nz
Wānanga Contact: Trevania Walbaekken 021 942 077
Participation survey feedback link: https://forms.gle/UT715xhGu3TooqZH
Wananga resource link: https://menza.co.nz/resource/toi-ihiihi-wananga-resource/

ORFF Level 1 course - Wellington
2026-07-05 08:00 - 2026-08-02 17:00 | Eastern Hutt School, 53 Kings Cres, Lower Hutt, Wellington, 5010, New Zealand
5-8 July and 1-2 August 2026, Eastern Hutt School, Lower Hutt
Come and join us for a hands-on experiential introduction to the practices and principles of the ORFF approach.
The integration of speech, movement and playing music with a focus on improvisation and creativity.
Inclusion of Māori waiata and legend.
Register here
Enquiries: jtcharman@gmail.com
