We’re celebrating Music Therapy Week from 10th – 15th April 2025 and you’re invited to join us.
This year’s theme, Meaningful Moments in Music Therapy – Celebrating Diverse Communities across Aotearoa, shines a light on the incredible ways music therapy creates connection, supports wellbeing, and brings joy to people across a wide range of settings. Here’s a selection of events around the motu and some media highlights.
Events
Northland | ||
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Tinā – Music Therapy Week Movie fundraiser 10th April, 6.30pm – Event Cinema, James St, Whangarei Hosted by Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust | We are hosting a fundraising screening of Tinā to celebrate Music Therapy Week 2025 and raise much-needed funds for the work of Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust’s Northland Centre. This is a film all about the impact on music on wellbeing – physical, mental, and spiritual – so we couldn’t think of a better fit! Ticket price includes the movie and popcorn. All proceeds will support our mahi and transform lives through music. Contact: Ella Polczyk-Przybyla/ Sarah Hamlin info@rmtc.org.nz | |
Auckland | |
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Tinā – Music Therapy Week Movie Fundraiser Thursday 10th April, 7pm Bridgeway Cinema, 122 Queen Street, Northcote Point | We are hosting a fundraising screening of Tinā to celebrate Music Therapy Week 2025 and raise much-needed funds for the work of Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust’s Auckland Centre. This is a film all about the impact of music on wellbeing – physical, mental, and spiritual – so we couldn’t think of a better fit! Ticket price includes the movie and your choice of a wine, soft drink, or movie snack. All proceeds will support our mahi and transform lives through music. |
Music Therapy Week display and Community Music Jam at Warkworth Library Display leading up to MTW April 10-15 | Alison Talmage in collaboration with Warkworth Library & Kahikatea Music Therapy & Community Arts Trust Contact Warkworth Library |
Community Sound Bath Experience Saturday 12th April, 8pm, free Ponsonby Community Centre hosted by Antonio Karam – Music Educator / Percussionist / Music Therapy Student | A sound-based therapeutic session designed to promote deep relaxation, emotional release, and connection through a variety of resonant world instruments. Contact: carecangola@hotmail.com |
Interactive Music Session for Children Under Five Sunday 13th, midday, free | A free, hands-on session where children and their parents and caregivers can explore rhythm, melody, and movement through engaging musical activities.. Contact: carecangola@hotmail.com |
MiMT Fālē Community Musicking Thursday 10th April, 1030am to 12pm | Kapa Haka, Pasifika Siva-Hula, Sing & Sign followed by a cuppa tea & biscuits. Instead of cake, to celebrate health – we will have a fruit & veg platter. All welcome – Community Music Event Contact: Retts 027 270 5126 or email: rettsmusictherapy@gmail.com |
Hawke’s Bay | ||
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Tinā – Music Therapy Week Movie fundraiser 10th April, 5.30pm – Focal Point Cinema Hosted by Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust | We are hosting a fundraising screening of Tinā to celebrate Music Therapy Week 2025 and raise much-needed funds for the work of Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust’s Hawke’s Bay Centre. This is a film all about the impact on music on wellbeing – physical, mental, and spiritual – so we couldn’t think of a better fit! Ticket price includes the movie and your choice of drink. All proceeds will support our mahi and transform lives through music. Contact: Ella Polczyk-Przybyla/ Sarah Hamlin info@rmtc.org.nz | |
Wellington | |
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Chant for your mind Sunday 13 April 10am -12:30pm Sophie Sabri is a registered music therapist with a passion for making music accessible to anyone.She believes in the transformative power of community engagement to support individual wellbeing and strives to create inclusive spaces where people can connect, express themselves, and thrive. | Chant for your mind is a workshop that aims at bringing compassion over negative self-talk through chanting. You will be guided to compose your own chant of compassion in response to your critical self, and experience the power of chanting as part of a group in a safe environment. This workshop can be beneficial to anyone with a willingness to learn new strategies to tackle negative self-talk. You don’t need to be a singer or musician to attend. More information here. Contact: Sophie Sabri 021 209 9033 or email musicwelltherapy@gmail.com Cost is $50 full price, $40 concession and if finance is a barrier please email your interest. Limited space available. |
Music Therapy Week visit to IHC Library take the lift to the 14th floor, 57 Willis Street, Wellington | The IHC Library in Wellington holds Music Therapy New Zealand’s library collection and also has resources on all aspects of intellectual disability, autism and other developmental disabilities. Contact: librarian@ihc.org.nz |
Nelson Tasman | |
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Positive Aging Expo Saturday 5th April, 10 to 10am – 2pm Headingly Centre, Richmond | Activities and advice to support you to age positively Look for the Music Therapy stand at the Positive Aging Expo and meet one of your local music therapists Colette. |
NelSONG Wellness Singers Wednesday 9th April, 10 to 11am Nelson Centre of Musical Arts (NCMA) 48 Nile Street Nelson | NelSONG Wellness Singers – a therapeutic social singing group supporting people living in the community with stroke, Parkinson’s, brain trauma, early dementia, stress and anxiety or just wanting to connect with others through singing. No audition necessary. No performance pressure. Come for a free taster session and some great company. |
Lunchtime RGM (Ronnie Gardiner Method) Thursday 10th April, 12-1pm Nelson Centre of Musical Arts (NCMA) 48 Nile Street, Nelson | Lunchtime RGM – The Ronnie Gardiner Method is a music and rhythm programme designed to exercise your brain and your body. It encourages a flexible mind, motor skills and body balance. It’s a lot of fun. Come along for a free taster session and a laugh. |
Canterbury | |
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Music Therapy Week – Display of books, images, flyers 9th – 11th April – Braintree Wellness Centre | Contact: info@smt.nz |
Music Makers with Southern Music Therapy Wednesday 16th April, 10.30 to 11.30am The Arts Centre, 2 Worcester Street, Christchurch Central City Come and join an active group where we will use instruments and singing in a safe and inclusive space suitable for school aged children with disabilities & additional learning needs. Facilitated by Registered Music Therapists. | Southern Music Therapy (SMT) is a private practice servicing the Canterbury region of New Zealand. Music Therapy is an evidence based Allied Health profession in which live music is used within a therapeutic relationship to address physical, psychological, cognitive, and social needs. It utilizes the expressive elements of live music as the primary means of interaction between therapist and client. Regardless of ability, everyone can appreciate and respond to music and sound. SMT works with individuals of all ages, including those with varying disabilities. |
Some media highlights from Music Therapy Week
Image: from Radio New Zealand website
Music Therapy in diverse communities in Aotearoa (audio)
RNZ interview with Luke Stothart
