The key theme of a Kiwilele Jam event is participation (it’s a jam, not a performance!) Each Jam can involve as few as two schools, or could be all the Kiwilele schools in your local area.

• On the day of a Kiwilele Jam a teacher, other adult, or even student leaders guide the tamariki through an agreed Jam programme. Students sing and strum along with the lyric videos or you may prefer to have a live backing group of participating teachers.
• Even if students only know one chord, they can play that chord where appropriate and join in with singing, clapping & sign singing, and be inspired by the wonderful role models that surround them.

Become a Kiwileles Uke-Hub Leader
Hei Kaiārahi Ukurere Hui

We invite YOU to be a Kiwileles Uke-Hub Leader and be part of a wonderful wonderful group of teachers across the motu that host their own local Kiwilele Jam. If you are interested, get in touch with our wonderful Community Engagement Coordinator who will support you as much as you need with the administration and event management to make this happen in your area.

As a Kiwileles Uke-Hub Leader we recommend you organise a meeting (face to face or online) with local Kiwilele teachers to plan the repertoire for your Jam, and then host the event. Depending on successful funding applications, we may be able to support you with some teacher release time, and provide an MC if needed (currently only available for Auckland schools, also dependent on successful funding applications!)

Be part of Bill Sevesi’s dream of every child in Aotearoa learning the ukulele!

Just some of the schools that have hosted Jams in the past!

• Whangarei – hosted by Whangārei Primary School
• Auckland North – hosted by Pinehurst School, Albany
• Auckland North – hosted by Milford School
• Auckland South – hosted by Papakura Normal School
• Auckland South – hosted by Māngere East Primary School
• Auckland South – hosted by ACG Strathallan
• Pukekohe – hosted by Valley School
• Auckland Central – hosted by Dilworth Junior Campus 
• Auckland Central – hosted by Mt Roskill Primary School
• Auckland West – hosted by Western Heights Primary School
• Auckland East – hosted by Elim Christian College
• Taupō – co-hosted by Waipahihi and Hilltop Schools
• Rangitikei – hosted by Bulls School
• Wellington – hosted and supported by CubaDupa Festival
• Christchurch – hosted by Wigram Primary School
• Greymouth – hosted by Greymouth Main School
• Alexandra – hosted by Alexandra Primary School
• Dunedin Jam on the Hill  – hosted by Balmacewen Intermediate
• Dunedin Jam at the Beach – hosted by Tahuna Intermediate
• Dunedin Jam in the Valley – hosted by Kaikorai Valley College
• Dunedin Jam in the City – hosted by George Street School
• Dunedin Jam on the Taieri – hosted by Taieri College
• Invercargill – hosted by Waverley Park School

Check out the upcoming Kiwilele Jams for 2025 here