WHAT WE DO
We help young people at a school in your community to get involved in music by:
- Supplying a set of ukuleles – contact us!
- Supporting a teacher/member of your school’s community through training and workshops
- Supplying a Songbook and CD for instruction
- Creating opportunities for rehearsals and performances
- Developing the potential of youth players in our NZ Ukulele Squads
- Running competitions to encourage performance skills and creativity
Over 1,500 free ukuleles from NZ Ukulele Trust have been delivered to schools via our ‘Ukes in Schools’ programme.
WHY THE UKULELE?
It is portable, cheap, easy to learn, easy to teach and encourages singing! The ukulele great for song writing and kids love it. It is the perfect gateway instrument too.
The songs we use find their way into classrooms, playgrounds, assemblies, cars, buses, camps, and homes around the country so we choose them carefully. The songs become part of children’s lives forever. We consult with experts in music education and the music industry to help to help us prepare the highest quality resources that are relatable and relevant to kiwi kids.
WHY WE DO IT
Making music delivers a range of tangible benefits that endure for a lifetime. Research tells us again and again. But above all, music brings us together, inspires, develops tolerance and empathy, tells our stories, expresses our identity, feelings and humanity. Music helps grow great kids, strong communities and brings happiness that should be part of every child’s day.
HOW WE DO IT
Our activities rely on securing donations, contestable grants, hundreds of hours of volunteer time, drive, passion and goodwill from many incredible people who share our vision.
- Hundreds of hours of volunteer time
- Goodwill of supporters and teachers who volunteer their time to deliver the programmes
- Funded through contestable grants and donations
- Corporate partnerships are being sought
SUPPORTING WHAT WE DO
There are so many incredible organisations working hard for our kiwi kids and we are proud to be one of them. We know we are making a difference to young peoples lives by giving them music – maybe you can too? It is as easy as learning the ukulele! Your gift can be directly deposited through internet banking to our account:
02 0192 0103935 001 (NZ Ukulele Trust BNZ) under “DONATION NZUT”, and include your name for our reference. Then, fill out the rest of the form below. We will email your tax deductible receipt when your gift pops up in our account.
TRUST MEMBERS
Maria Winder – Chair
My name is Maria Winder, proud Chairperson and founding trustee of the NZ Ukulele Trust, mother of 3 awesome adults, wife, musician, primary school music teacher and music education consultant.
Ukuleles have the power to bring the joy of music into the lives of everyone who hears and plays them. I am grateful to the wonderful team of trustees, contractors, teachers, young musicians and their families who support NZUT to make musical dreams come true for thousands of New Zealand children.
Whaiora Hotere – Education
He kakano tātou i ruia mai i Rangiatea.
We are all seed, descended from greatness.
Te Rarawa, Ngā Puhi and Te Aupouri are my iwi. My name is Whaiora Viann Hotere – mother of 2 girls, an experienced Primary School educator who believes that every child has a super power waiting to be unleashed. That music and the arts help children to find their confidence, express themselves, stand proud and bring more joy into the world.
Musical Influences: Anything that touches the heart and soul.
Tania Jeffs-Sevesi – Design
My name is Tania Jeffs-Sevesi, eldest daughter of the late Bill Sevesi. Ko Te Aranga o te Pa Te Huihuinga te whare, ko Te Kapotai te hapu, ko Ngapuhi te iwi. Am self-employed doing things I love and work that includes helping others.
A mum of two boys, grandma of three mokos and an honour being part of the dream to see all kids in Aotearoa, have the opportunity to become a kiwilele.
Musical Influences: Any music that is spiritual, inspiring, uplifting, empowering and positive – especially to our next generation and future.
Shane Coward – Finance
My name is Shane Coward, my background is in financial and strategic management. I am married and have two daughters, both of whom are part of the Kiwilele’s programme.
I recently started to learn the ukulele alongside my daughters, and have the unenviable position of being the least musically talented Trustee. I am passionate about the opportunities the kiwleles programme provides for kiwi kids to learn music.
Musical Influences: Fly My Pretties, Jack Johnson, Eddie Vedder
ADMINISTRATOR
Amberleigh Carson
FESTIVAL EVENT MANAGER
Charlotte Marshall
PATRONS
Bill Sevesi 2007-2016
Bill was a founding patron of NZ Ukulele Trust.
His dream that “every child in NZ would get the chance to learn to play the ukulele” has inspired NZUT to help Bill’s dream become a reality!
Kevin Fogarty (Festival Founder)