Wellington Region - Secondary Music Teachers Get Together
2024-11-14 16:00 - 17:00 (Pacific/Auckland) | Sprig and Fern on Tinakori Road
Secondary School Music Teachers will be having a Hui on 14th November 2024 at 4 pm at Sprig and Fern on Tinakori Road

The Rodger Fox Workshops - December 16-19 in Wellington - jazz and beyond for students 19 and under
2024-12-16 09:00 - 2024-12-19 17:00 | NZ School of Music, Gate 7, Kelburn Parade, Wellington, New Zealand
I am happy to announce that we be continuing the legacy of Rodger Fox’s association with summer jazz workshops in Wellington with a new initiative:
The Rodger Fox Workshops.
The Rodger Fox Workshops will take place December 16–19 at the New Zealand School of Music—Te Kōkī in Wellington, co-ordinated by Lance Philip, Daniel Hayles, Dave Wilson, Eilish Wilson, and Chris Beernink in association with the Aotearoa Jazz Education and Performance Trust.
Musicians age 19 and under with a minimum of one year experience on an instrument or in vocal training can participate. Students can choose trumpet, trombone, saxophone, clarinet, flute, bass, piano, guitar, drums, vibraphone, or voice.
More information and registration info can be found at the Rodger Fox Workshops registration site 2.
Free free to download and print a hi-res pdf poster 1 with details on the workshop and a QR code to the registration page, to post for student information as appropriate.
Follow the Rodger Fox Workshops on Instagram or Facebook for the latest updates.
Any questions – email rodgerfoxworkshops@gmail.com.
The Rodger Fox Workshops
Jazz and beyond for students 19 and under
December 16–19, 2024
Coordinated by Lance Philip, Daniel Hayles, Dave Wilson, Eilish Wilson, and Chris Beernink
Level up your music game at the Rodger Fox Workshops, where young musicians from all over Aotearoa New Zealand come together to explore jazz and related music styles. You’ll work with some of New Zealand’s top musicians and educators in a supportive and inclusive setting, and you’ll advance your skills alongside other students your age from across the motu.
Here’s what’s in store:

small group ensembles led by professional musicians

developing improvisation skills in supportive settings

an introduction to music production

listening sessions that expand your skills

inclusive jam sessions where all are welcome

ensemble performances at the end of week concert

And more!

If you’re 19 or under with at least a year of experience on your instrument or in vocal training, you’re welcome to join. Choose from trumpet, trombone, saxophone, clarinet, flute, bass, piano, guitar, drums, vibraphone, or voice.
The workshops are held at the New Zealand School of Music—Te Kōkī at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Follow the Rodger Fox Workshops on Instagram or Facebook for the latest updates. Email rodgerfoxworkshops@gmail.com with any questions.

Schedule
The workshops run 9:00am–4:30pm Monday through Thursday, with evening activities including concerts and our inclusive jam sessions Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Students perform in a closing concert on Thursday afternoon.
Accommodation
Students arrange their own accommodation. Often students from outside Wellington stay together in groups with a parent chaperone. Options for housing near Victoria University of Wellington include backpacker hostels and hotels. If you have a group of 15 or more, University Student Housing can been booked at Cumberland House. Contact info for this option is via email at Cumberland-House@vuw.ac.nz or by phone at +64 4 463 4770.
Meals
Lunch for the four days is available for purchase at many convenient locations on campus, or students may bring their own lunch.
Equipment
Provided equipment includes drum kits, guitar and bass amps, pianos/keyboards, microphones and PAs for vocalists.
All brass and wind players should bring their own instruments.
Drummers: you are required to bring your own cymbals, sticks, and hi-hat clutch.
Guitarists and bass players: you are required to bring your own instruments as well as cables (leads).
Preparation
All students with one year of experience on an instrument or in vocal training have the skills required to participate, so no musical preparation is required. On the first day, students will play a very short audition to be placed in an appropriate ensemble. Guidelines for this short audition will be sent to all registered participants in advance of the workshops.

Cost
Early bird price: $325 for all four days – register by 1 October
Standard price $350 – after 1 October
Registration is open to all until all spots are filled.
We are dedicated to ensuring all students can participate in the workshops without financial constraints. If the cost poses a barrier, please email us at rodgerfoxworkshops@gmail.com and we will find a solution to facilitate your participation.

Safer Spaces in Music Education workshop - Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
2025-03-11 08:30 - 17:00 | The Tuning Fork, 42/80 Mahuhu Crescent, Parnell, Auckland, 1010
MENZA is thrilled to be partnering with Safer Spaces in Music Education (SSME) to present this very important workshop. It is made possible by funding from the Networks of Expertise, and the workshops are $30 and include a resource and digital PD certificate for evidence of professional growth. Morning tea, lunch, and tea and coffee will be provided.

The ‘Professional Respect’ Workshop is a bespoke training designed to support Worksafe’s Health&Safety guidelines to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. The Professional Respect training day has been developed in conjunction with SoundCheck Aotearoa and are based on a similar training that has been rolled
out across the screen sector.

The full-day training is friendly and interactive and the content includes:
* Definitions of sexual harassment and sexual harm within New Zealand legislation
* WorkSafe obligations and legal requirements for workplaces
* Guidance for receiving disclosures of sexual harm and supporting survivors
* Options and pathways for reporting sexual harm and support services available
* Strategies for preventing sexual harm and fostering a respectful work environment
* Practical tips for bystander intervention.

The day starts at 8.30 for tea and coffee, with an opening karakia at 9am sharp, and runs through until 5pm. Breaks and refreshments/lunch will be provided. The training days are facilitated by sexual harm prevention and response specialists Rachel Harrison and Mel Calvesbert, who are experienced practitioners in sexual harm prevention and response and they will ensure that the discussion is safe, constructive and
respectful. There will be no requirement to share personal information in the workshop. If you have any concerns and would like to discuss how to attend or contribute in a safe way, please contact please contact Jeni.

Jeni Little, Performing Arts Learning Area Leader, Hobsonville Point Secondary School (jeni.little@hobsonvillepoint.school.nz) will be the liaison and host for this workshop.

Please register here by Wednesday 5 March, 5pm, so that we can organise the catering and resources. Once registered, you will be emailed an invoice for the workshop.

This workshop is for a maximum of 30 participants, so get in quick!

Whakawhanaungatanga Hui in Wellington
2025-03-23 14:30 | Southern Cross Garden Bar Restaurant, 39 Abel Smith Street, Te Aro, Wellington, Southern Cross Garden Bar Restaurant, 39 Abel Smith Street, Te Aro, Wellington, New Zealand
Whakawhanaungatanga Hui in Wellington at Southern Cross Garden Bar Restaurant, 39 Abel Smith Street, Te Aro, Wellington. All teachers welcome, food provided. A good chance to catch up with your local network of music teachers. Please register here.

Working with Neurodiverse Students
2025-03-23 14:30 - 17:00 | The Village Community Centre https://villagechurch.nz/bryndwr/
Yiyi Ku and Julie Wylie Sunday 23rd March, 2.30pm – 5.00pm
The Village, 362a Ilam Road, Bryndwr
$20 IRMTNZ members
$30 Non members
Please register using the link below.
Working with Neurodiverse Students
The neurodiversity paradigm is a framework for understanding human brain function that considers the diversity within sensory processing, motor abilities, social comfort, cognition, and focus as neurobiological differences. This diversity falls on a spectrum of neurocognitive differences. The neurodiversity paradigm argues that diversity in neurocognition is part of humanity and that some neurodivergences generally classified as disorders, such as autism, are differences with strengths and weaknesses as well as disabilities that are not necessarily pathological. Neurotypical individuals are those who fall within the average range of functioning and thinking. 2.30 – 3.00 Yiyi Ku – My Journey with Kodi Lee – How I became his piano teacher, how I taught him, and what teaching him has taught me.
3pm Afternoon tea break
3.30 – 5.00 Julie Wylie – Working with Neurodiverse students
Julie will talk briefly about the neuroscience of musical play, key aspects of understanding the sensory needs of a person with neuro-diversity and how teachers can adapt their music to suit their students’ needs.
Julie will then present three case studies of children on the spectrum. Each one is very different but provides a clear understanding of how music can be used to help these children to make sense of their world and to restore order from what is often a very unpredictable and chaotic world.
She will then give short interactive improvised examples with other players on the keyboard showing ways that teachers can play alongside their students, giving rhythmic and melodic support to whatever the student creates.
Julie will then show us some simple improvisational techniques of how she has supported students she has worked with over the years at the Champion Centre.
Yiyi Ku is a pianist and teacher. She grew up in Christchurch, studied with Maurice Till and Deidre Irons, and received a Master of Music with Distinction from University of Canterbury. After graduating, she taught piano at Rangi Ruru and St Margaret’s College, before moving to the US in 2005. Yiyi also holds LRSM, Permanent Certification from Music Teachers National Association (USA), and Advanced Certification from Royal Conservatory of Music (Canada). While living in the US, Yiyi pursued extensive professional development, attending numerous state and national conventions on piano pedagogy, teacher training courses, including Dalcroze Institute at The Juilliard School, as well as private lessons with master teachers. She was also an active collaborative pianist, and was Principal Pianist at Temecula Valley Symphony Orchestra for many years. One of Yiyi’s former students is NZ composer Salina Fisher. Most recently, Yiyi has taught another world famous student – Kodi Lee, a blind and autistic musical savant who won America’s Got Talent. Yiyi moved back to Christchurch with her husband and daughter in 2022. She continues to teach many US students online and has a thriving local studio.
REGISTER HERE

Whakawhanaungatanga Hui in Ōtepoti Dunedin - launch of the Educators Choir
2025-03-28 16:00 - 17:00 | College of Education Staffroom, 145 Union Street East, Dunedin 9016, 145 Union Street East, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
Ōtepoti Educators Choir 2025

Join us for the inaugural Ōtepoti Educators Choir (official name to be decided)
Led by Ben Madden and supported by Natasha Manowitz
Our aim is to sing together for wellbeing and the joy of creating music. We will learn new waiata, sing old favourites, practise vocal warm ups and much more. All educators, support staff, and people associated with education welcome.
No singing/choir experience needed!
Date: Friday 28th March at 4:00pm (arrive when you can)
College of Education Staffroom – 145 Union Street East, Dunedin 9016

MEC AGM 2025
2025-04-06 14:00 - 16:00 | Christchurch School of Music (CSM), 100 Fitzgerald Avenue, Christchurch, 8011, New Zealand
We welcome you to attend Music Education’s annual (and final) AGM.
Date – Sunday, 6 April
Time – 2 pm 4pm
AGM 2pm-2:40pm
2:40-3pm afternoon tea
3pm workshop
Venue – CSM Office , 100 Fitzgerald Ave

Workshop – “Practical and fun music theory using the power of numbers seamlessly from birth to tertiary level” by Judith Bell and Julie Wylie
It’s a great chance to catch up with other music educators over a provided afternoon tea, to hear updates from local music education providers and to see what MEC’s been up to. The AGM will only last around 40 minutes, with the reminder of the time dedicated to attending the workshop, networking and afternoon tea.
Please RSVP by filling in the AGM attendance form (Complete with links to the agenda and incoming reports).

Auckland Whakawhanaungatanga Hui
2025-05-16 06:30 - 20:30 | Crescendo Trust of Aotearoa, 8/14 Henderson Valley Road, Henderson, Auckland, 0612, New Zealand
This is a special gathering for MENZA music educators in the Auckland region—a chance to connect, network, and strengthen our music education community. Come along to meet fellow educators, learn more about MENZA, and enjoy our shared passion for music. Food and drinks provided. You don’t have to be a MENZA member to join in.
Please register here for catering purposes, or contact Molly: molly.devine@sae.ac.nz
MENZA Auckland Hui

MENZA AGM 2025
2025-06-07 10:30 - 16:30 | Bethlehem School, 66 Carmichael road, Tauranga
The MENZA AGM for 2025 will be held on Saturday 7 June at Bethlehem School in Tauranga. If you can’t make it in person – please join us on ZOOM as we need a quorum!
10.30am-2.30pm Workshop/Advocacy session & lunch
2.30-3.00pm Afternoon Tea
3.00pm AGM
MENZA will be holding an initial planning meeting to discuss how we, as an organisation, can advocate for music education within the New Zealand education system, particularly in response to the current political climate.
If you are interested in being part of this meaningful conversation, please join us at Bethlehem School, 66 Carmichael Road, Tauranga before the MENZA AGM. Lunch will be provided for all participants.
Please RSVP for catering purposes.

Sun, moon and stars with music with Christoph Maubach – Christchurch
2025-06-14 09:00 - 16:00 | Chisnallwood intermediate School, 76 Breezes Road, Christchurch, 8061, New Zealand
Sun, moon and stars with music with Christoph Maubach – Christchurch

June 14, 2025
9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Venue: Chisnallwood Intermediate Music Suite,76 Breezes Rd,Avondale Christchurch
Songs, instrumental play and words give rise to creative music and movement in this workshop. Imagery derived from songs about the sun, the moon and the stars form the starting points for musical creations. Participants will find ideas and musical activities directly applicable to the primary classroom. Songs with ukulele accompaniment, classroom percussion, fun-filled rhythm building, and movement are part of a colourful oeuvre.
Christoph Maubach

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Waikato)
Master of Education (Melbourne)
Diploma of music and movement education (Orff-Institute, Salzburg)
Christoph, a former music education lecturer (University of Waikato), internationally recognized workshop leader, and Board member of the IOSFS (International Orff Schulwerk Forum Salzburg, Austria), has led workshops in Taiwan, China, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Christoph’s music education work is anchored in the Orff Schulwerk Approach and is suitable for children, families and adults alike. His sessions link fun-filled creative activities that develop insights into how music ‘works’.
Enquiries: email office@onza.nz

Details
Price
Qty

ONZA Member
$60.00 NZD
Quantity 0 1 2 3 4 5

Non member ( includes one year Membership)
$80.00 NZD
Quantity 0 1 2 3 4 5

Full Time Student
$30.00 NZD
Quantity 0 1 2 3 4 5

REGISTER HERE

ITM ZOOM hui with Brenda Oakley
2025-06-23 15:30 - 16:30
Join MENZA’s ITM representative Brenda Oakley online on Monday 23 June, 3.30pm, for a zui about issues front of mind for itinerant teachers of music and Music Department HODs.
This is an end of term catch-up to check in around ITM loadings and non-contacts, discuss/raise any issues, and information around ITM workshops at MENZA conference in the upcoming school holidays. See you there!

He Wai Kōmako - NEWZATS Conference 2025
2025-07-02 08:00 - 2025-07-04 17:00 | Auckland University, 6 Symonds Street, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
He Wai Kōmako – NEWZATs warmly invites you to Conference 2025 “Ngā Ringa Kōmiri” in Tāmaki Makaurau from July 2-4 at the University of Auckland, School of Music! This exciting event will offer a fantastic professional development opportunity for singing teachers, choir directors, and voice professionals across Aotearoa. Expect engaging workshops on Musical Theatre, Classical, Jazz, and Vocal Cross-Training, alongside expert-led presentations on Vocal Health Science. We’re thrilled to welcome keynote speaker Mary Saunders-Barton from the USA, and there will be plenty of opportunities for networking and connecting with fellow singing enthusiasts, including a celebratory Gala Dinner at the Copthorne! This is an event you won’t want to miss! Register through the link below.

https://www.newzats.org.nz/conference-2025.html

Songs and Games for Children - A Kodály Inspired Approach
2025-07-05 10:00 - 16:00 | Multicultural Recreation and Community Centre, 455 Hagley Avenue, Christchurch, Canterbury, 8011, New Zealand
Songs and Games for Children – A Kodály Inspired Approach
With Loren Easterbrook
Saturday, July 5, 10am – 4pm
455 Hagley Avenue
$90/$70 (low income)
Loren Easterbrook currently works as a music specialist at Belmont Primary school. She has a Bachelor of Music in Jazz composition and arranging and has worked as a music teacher for many years in New Zealand and Australia.
She is inspired by the Kodaly concept of music teaching and believes music is for everyone!
This workshop will feature many of Loren’s favourite games and activities for Primary music from absolute beginners as well as how to extend activities for different ages and abilities.
Loren is passionate about making music education both fun and rigorous, helping students achieve high levels of musicianship, musical literacy, and enjoyment of music!

Register here

MENZA Conference 2025 - Te Rito o Te Harakeke
2025-07-06 18:00 - 2025-07-09 15:00 | Massey University, Wellington, Wallace Street, Wellington
The MENZA Conference will be held at Massey University in Wellington, from Sunday 6 July – Wednesday 9 July 2025. Over the three days there will be opportunities to connect with music educators and institutions, to share knowledge and resources. And of course a conference dinner and social activities which you are welcome to attend if you wish and bring someone. We hope you will leave feeling confident, energised and inspired!

Sun 6 July
6pm conference registrations with drinks/nibbles
Mon 7 July
8am onwards welcome and conference & evening activity
Tues 8 July
9am onwards conference & dinner
Wed 9 July
9am-3pm, conference

Conference Fees (includes morning and afternoon tea, and lunch)
Participant 3 days PPTA PLD $390 MENZA
Participant 3 days PPTA PLD $425 NON-MENZA
Participant 3 days Primary/ECE $250 MENZA
Participant 3 days Primary/ECE $290 NON-MENZA
Student-teacher 3 days $150
One-day participant $150
Extras
Monday evening activity $25
Tuesday Conference dinner $50

*Prices quoted are including GST and invoices will be emailed closer to the event. If you are currently not a MENZA member, and would like to join, please visit the MENZA website and click the “Join” button. Or select the NON-MENZA option which includes individual membership for PPTA PLD and a school membership for Primary/ECE.
Conference Subsidies
Applications for a conference subsidy can be made here: 2025 MENZA Conference Subsidy Form. (Priority will be given to ECE and Primary members and those in geographically isolated areas)
Accommodation
There are lots of great hotels close by. If you need help with accommodation or would like to billet please contact us at the email below.

Secondary School Teachers: You can access Professional Learning funds to attend this conference through the PPTA and the Subject Association Grant. You can apply now, and it can be pre-approved.
REGISTER HERE NOW!

Waikato Regional Hub Te Reo Puoro - Kairahi Snack & Yack
2025-08-07 18:30 - 20:00 | Foundation Bar, Te Awa Shopping Centre, 1 Maahanga Drive, Northgate, Hamilton, 3210, New Zealand
Music teachers from around the Waikato region are warmly invited to a snack & yack gathering to talk about all music-related topics, tips and tricks for teaching and more. A wonderful opportunity to meet and network with fellow music teachers. You don’t have to be a MENZA member – this is all about supporting our music teacher community – you are not alone! Hosted by MENZA Board member Trevania Walbaekken. Looking forward to welcoming you!
Please RSVP to Trevania Walbaekken: trevaniaw@nawton.school.nz for catering purposes.

Strum Strike and Blow 2025
2025-09-03 19:00 - 20:15 | Wolfbrook Arena, 55 Jack Hinton Drive, Addington, Christchurch, 8042, New Zealand
Strum Strike and Blow
Wednesday Sept 3rd, 2025
Strum, Strike and Blow is an exciting amalgamation of the ChCh Marimba Festival and ChCh Uke Fest which will feature over 1,200 students playing marimbas, ukuleles and recorders. The Festival is run by Music Education Canterbury and Christchurch Civic Music Council and is in its 12th (and 11th Festival) year and is held in the Wolfbrook Arena (formerly Christchurch Arena).
Once schools have registered they are given access to the music which will generally involve 5 individual pieces for ukuleles, recorders and marimba and a massed item for all three groups of instruments.
The music caters for all levels of experience and when performed live at the festival event, is backed by a professional band.
We run workshops for teachers and have plenty of rehearsal material available.
We have a full rehearsal on the day between 9:30am-1:15pm at the arena for all participating schools with the accompanying band.
Schools can register for this festival through the registration page (click here).

French Circle Dances and English Country Dances
2025-09-07 13:00 - 15:00 | WEA Canterbury Workers’ Educational Association, 59 Gloucester Street, Christchurch, Canterbury, 8013, New Zealand
French Circle DancesHere we will learn simple dances from Renaissance France. These dances have easy tunes which can be sung or played by the tutor/students on recorder and drum.

English Country DancesMoving on from the French Circle dances, we will learn medium difficulty-level English dances first published in 1651. These dances have easy tunes which can be played by the tutor/students on recorder and drum.

About NicolaNicola joined the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) while she was studying at the University of Canterbury. This diverse group of historic re-enactors exposed her to many aspects of European culture, including cooking, crafts, martial arts, music, and dance. After their dance master moved back to Australia, Nicola began teaching the weekly dance classes for the SCA, a volunteer position which lasted thirteen years.

Cost – $30 per person.

Please register using this link https://forms.gle/7KGQ99t8SawWCVG47

MusicWorks Ensemble Festival Aotearoa (MEFA) - Aotearoa’s Premier National School Ensemble Festival
2025-09-16 00:00 - 2025-09-19 23:59 | Wellington
Held in Wellington, MEFA is New Zealand’s premier national school ensemble festival, celebrating both traditional and jazz/blues styles. Our mission is to foster a vibrant, educational, and community-driven environment where students can thrive through music. With world-class concerts, mentorship, and performances, MEFA provides an unparalleled opportunity for students to perform, learn, and grow. There is no other festival like it in New Zealand.
Unlike traditional festivals that focus primarily on competition, MEFA is designed around a mentorship-driven framework, offering students engaging workshops and unique learning experiences. We collaborate with some of New Zealand’s top educators and musicians, including the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (NZSO), Royal New Zealand Air Force Band, leading universities, and MENZA. With over 60 tailored workshops, students develop not only their individual instrumental and vocal skills but also gain exposure to areas they may not typically explore in school—such as improvisation, conducting, and mixed-ensemble collaboration, enhancing both their musical and social development.
For schools that wish to compete, MEFA’s adjudicated performances provide an opportunity to strive for excellence across a range of ensembles—from choral groups and orchestras to concert bands and jazz ensembles. Each performance is followed by a specialized workshop with a top mentor, ensuring students receive constructive guidance to refine their skills.
Evening concerts showcase performances by some of New Zealand’s finest musicians, including members of the Royal New Zealand Air Force Big Band and the NZSO. These concerts offer students access to world-class performances, with select opportunities for student participation—an invaluable experience that further enhances their development as musicians.
MEFA’s education-first approach makes it accessible for ensembles of all levels, from beginner groups to New Zealand’s top school ensembles. Each year, we take pride in providing young musicians with a supportive and inspiring space to perform, learn, and be part of a true festival experience.
Click here to find out more and register your school.

Young Jazz Bandit
2025-09-20 00:00 - 23:59 | 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.

MENZA Podcast Launch
2025-10-10 18:00 - 21:00 | The Tuning Fork, 42/80 Mahuhu Crescent, Parnell, Auckland, 1010
Join us in celebrating the launch of our brand new podcast! We will share kai, listen to the first episode, and thank all the behind-the-scenes heroes who made this podcast possible.
Venue: the Tuning Fork in Auckland.
Please RSVP here for catering purposes.
See you there!

Christchurch Big Band Jazz Festival 2025
2025-10-23 00:00 - 2025-10-27 23:59 | Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
The Christchurch Big Band Jazz Festival is a five day music festival held every Labour weekend in Christchurch.
• It brings fresh musical vibrancy to the streets and venues of Ōtautahi, Christchurch in spring, attracting thousands of listeners to exciting toe-tapping entertainment all around the city.
• Running since 2006, the CBBF is run by the community for the community and is the only Big Band Festival in New Zealand.
• Accessibility is a kaupapa of the festival with mostly free performances.
• Bands from all over New Zealand gather in Christchurch to play Big Band style jazz providing performance opportunities for around 500 musicians in 20 – 25 groups across 60 scheduled performances as well as a Big band Boogie Ball.
As well as all the performances, there are workshops for youth and all ages as well as a jam night and parade to join in with.
Junior Jazz Jam, an event for Primary school aged jazz bands runs on the Thursday afternoon.
See details and registration at chchbigbandfest.com. [Registration is through a portal – if you have played other years, you just login and
Specific event details will be updated from late May on.
Registrations open late February and close May 3rd for big bands, but workshops and ticketed events will be live until the event unless sold out prior.

Taonga Puoro weekend: Rapaki Marae, Ōtautahi
2026-02-20 17:00 - 2026-02-22 15:00 | Rāpaki Marae, 37 Rapaki Drive, Te Rāpaki-o-Te Rakiwhakaputa, 8971, New Zealand
Nau mai haere mai ki te ao Puoro.
Welcome to the world of Taonga Puoro in the world of Tangata Moana.

Please fill out the registration form if you would like to attend a Taonga Puoro wānanga at Rapaki Marae, Christchurch.

Details:

Venue: Rapaki Marae, Christchurch
Dates: Friday 20th 5pm – Sunday 22 February 2026 3pm
Powhiri: 5pm
Koha: a gift to Mana whenua – Can be a taonga, money or tradtional rongoa
Cost: Koha to MENZA
Facilitators: Kelly Kahukiwa, Horomona Horo, Wiremu Sarich

What to bring:
– Blanket
– Pillow
– Appropriate clothing
– Instrument (could be a Taonga Puoro, Guitar, Harp, Trumpet, Stone, Spoons – kei a koe, up to you)
– Shell, Stick, Stone kei a koe te tikanga, it is up to you how big or small.
– Bring lots of questions
– Be open minded

Noho Marae:
We are limited to 40 spaces, so a confirmation email will be sent out by December the 1st.

Please arrange your transport to and from Marae, full catering is provided

MENZA Organisation Contact: admin@menza.co.nz
Wānanga Contact: Christian McDonald chris.mcd@hotmail.co.nz 0224161353

To secure your place, please register here.

IRMTNZ National Conference
2026-04-08 15:30 - 2026-04-10 18:00 | Nelson Centre for Musical Arts, 48 Nile Street, Nelson, 7010, New Zealand
The IRMTNZ 2026 Conference, Kotahitanga*, explores the theme of interwoven relationships in musical contexts, with topics including:

creative ideas for teaching beginner students
the alliance between composers and performers
enhancing ensemble collaboration
crossing the boundaries of music genres
choral singing.

Kotahitanga features an outstanding lineup of guest speakers including:

Australian music educator and author Tim Topham
SOUNZ Chief Executive and flutist Dr Hannah Darroch
collaborative pianist Dr Sarah Watkins
NZSQ violist Gillian Ansell MNZM
NZCF Governance Board Chair Pete Rainey MNZM
Auckland University Associate Professor Graham McPhail
MENZA Board member Brenda Oakley
MoE Lead Adviser and DJ Dr Martin Emo
registered music therapist and guitar teacher Alvaro Saura Moreno.

Nelson Centre for Musical Arts is the ideal venue for our Conference, with fabulous facilities, and close proximity to the CBD and various accommodations. There will also be optional outings to Nelson’s award-winning Boathouse for the Conference dinner, and Seifried Winery’s Harvest Kitchen for a post-Conference lunch.
REGISTRATION
PROGRAMME
GUEST SPEAKERS
ACCOMMODATION
Early Bird registrations are now open. Click the link above to register and please direct any enquiries to our Conference Registrar, Katherine Jones: conference.irmtnz@gmail.com
You can view a full list of the conference fees HERE.

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/

The Power of Musical Play
2026-04-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Hoon Hay Presbyterian Church, 5 Downing St, Christchurch, Canterbury, 8025, New Zealand
This two hour interactive practical Musical Play workshop is based on Julie Wylie and Dr. Susan Foster Cohen’s recently published book “Unleashing the Power of Musical Play” Routledge Publishers England.
It will help participants to gain understanding about Julie Wylie’s philosophy of Musical Play through practical exploration of how to follow the child through improvisation, specific use of the elements of music. use of sung instructions and narrative songs. There wil be an emphasis on exploring the importance of musical play to human development and human relationships within families, in schools, early childhood settings, and in therapeutic contexts. Musical play can enrich communities, bring people together from different cultures, through intergenerational music, and support individual and community well being.
BOOK NOW
Date: Saturday April 18th
Time: 10 am-12pm
Venue: Hoon Hay Presbyterian Church, 5 Downing St, off Lewis St which is off Hoon Hay Rd.
Fee: $60
To register: Please email jcwyliemusic@gmail.com before 11 April.
Payment should be made to the following account. PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A DIFFERENT ACCOUNT FROM THE ONE YOU PAY CLASS FEES TO.
Account Name: Julie Wylie Institute of Musical Play Limited
Account No: 02-0828-0131676-000
Particulars: 180426
Reference: Your name

Julie Wylie MNZM founded the New Zealand Musical Parenting Association in 1992. She was the founder of the musical play programme at the Champion Centre, Burwood Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand, where she was the senior music specialist for twenty eight years. Julie has been invited to present music workshops and papers in many countries, including Korea, Japan, Singapore, Australia, the United Kingdom, Lithuania, Estonia and Finland. She has received awards for her music leadership, and her music resources have won international awards. Julie was made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honours. She has her own music school for mothers and babies and children aged 0-8 years founded in 1990 and is the Director of the Postgraduate online training programme: “Certificate of Musical Play as Therapy”.

Loopy Tunes Preschool Music - Workshop for Educators
2026-04-22 08:00 - 2026-04-23 17:00
Greymouth: Wed, 22 Apr, from 1-2.30pm, at Tai Poutini Polytechnic
Darfield: Thu, 23 Apr, from 1-2.30pm, at the Darfield Recreation Centre
Workshop fee is $46 per person (booking fee, optional)
We are excited to offer a workshop for kaiako | educators | musicians | volunteers | children’s music enthusiasts to come along to, to learn more about the mahi that we do, the resources we have to offer (and how we use them in our classes), and more!
The following is what the workshop will include:

A focus on deconstructing the music classes we run
Sharing the different ways we use the bilingual songs that we create
Lots of group discussion, using it as a time to share resources with each other
Some Q&A time towards the end of the workshop
Some “brain food” (aka. light nibbles) to help encourage some good discussons! Please email us directly if you have any food intolerances that we need to consider.
A certificate of completion to add to your professtional development kete!

We are Siu Williams-Lemi and Leah Williams-Partington, a sister music duo, based in Ōtautahi/Christchurch, who specialise in bilingual Māori children’s music, who have been running community preschool music classes for over 15 years. These classes are a HUGE part of our “why” and we are grateful for the opportunity to not only share what we have learned along the way, but to also offer a space to share together with other kaiako in the same field. As with any of our performances, this will be very interactive and we will have you all up and enjoying a kanikani and singalong with us… more than once!
Here is some feedback from previous workshops:
The workshop provided excellent new ideas and served as a great reminder that even small efforts can make a big difference!
Lovely ladies. Inclusive, welcoming, and valuable sharing of ideas. Fabulous waiata – wonderful resourced – it is special that so many children get to hear their own languages and therefore feel seen, heard, included and valued.
Leah and Siu were both so lovely to talk to in person and so down to earth. I got so many great ideas for how to run music sessions with my preschoolers. Thank you so much!
Thanks for being so generous in sharing your music and mahi! Awesome for someone like me who is not so musically gifted but know the importance of it for our tamariki

Music Therapy New Zealand Conference 2026
2026-09-12 00:00 - 2026-09-13 23:59 | Grafton Campus, University of Auckland, 85 Park Road, Auckland, New Zealand
The Music Therapy New Zealand Conference 2026, with the theme Te Poutama Hononga: Weaving Connections, celebrates the art of weaving together people, stories, and music, creating patterns of understanding, and community. The te reo name, gifted by Matua Sonny Niha (University of Auckland Centre for Brain Research) means “the connected journey of achievement and progress”. Each thread represents a unique experience or voice, and through the process of weaving diverse strands, new relationships and meanings emerge.
Guest speakers include:
Katie Pureti (NZRMTh, MMusTher, BMus, ATL) and Jan McConnell (MAAT, DTAA (Prof), ANZACATA, PNZ)
Topic: Mauri Tui Tuia Creative Therapies New Zealand
Dr Waireti Roestenburg (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairoa, Ngāti Pāhauwera, Rongomaiwahine, Ngāpuhi nui- tonu, Dutch, Irish, English) , PhD Psychology
Topic: Taonga Ihi Orooro – Māori Sacred Sound Healing.
For further information, see our website (www.musictherapy.org)
Early bird registrations open on 1 May.
