WEAVING CONNECTIONS THROUGH MUSIC: CELEBRATING MUSIC THERAPY WEEK 2026 ACROSS AOTEAROA

Eskavan McCartney (Right) Sinead Hegarty (Left) at Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre in Hawkes Bay 

Music Therapy New Zealand will mark Music Therapy Week 2026 from 10 to 15 April, guided by the theme Weaving Connections | Te Poutama Hononga. This year’s theme highlights the power of music therapy to break down barriers, build relationships, and support both individual and collective identity in an increasingly disconnected world.

Music Therapy Week is nationwide and offers an opportunity to learn more about a practice that supports people of all ages and abilities. Music therapy helps strengthen mental health and wellbeing, speech and communication, physical movement and coordination, confidence, attention and cognitive functioning.

This work takes place across a wide range of settings including schools, hospitals, aged care services, disability support organisations, community programmes and justice environments.

Registered Music Therapists are highly trained specialists who use evidence based, patient centred approaches tailored to people with a wide range of diagnoses, experiences and needs. Feedback from clients and whānau is consistently positive, with many describing sessions as the most meaningful or uplifting part of their week. There are currently 84 practising Registered Music Therapists in Aotearoa, each holding an Annual Practising Certificate.

 "Every person comes in on their own Journey. Our role is to co-create a meaningful relationship bound by a unique connection to music. Music therapists have the privilege of joining alongside participants on their journey, listening, responding and using music in ways that supports internal and external shifts and periods of growth and change towards healing and Hauora."  says Registered Music Therapist Sinead Hegarty

Linda Webb MNZM, President of Music Therapy New Zealand, says Music Therapy Week is a chance to broaden public understanding of the profession.“As practices grow and expand within our communities, an increasing number of clients from across the motu are gaining benefits from music therapy. Music Therapy Week provides opportunities for a wider circle of people in Aotearoa to engage with what is possible, including new ideas and innovative approaches to meet the changing needs of individuals and community based groups.”

Music Therapy Week 2026 invites people across Aotearoa to recognise the quiet but powerful impact of music therapy, and the many ways it supports connection, dignity and wellbeing every day.

EVENTS HAPPENING AROUND AOTEAROA WITH MANY MORE TO COME 

GRAND-TASTIC MONDAY, HASTINGS 
Monday 13 April, 11am at Toitoi Hawkes Bay Arts and Events Centre 
Grand-tastic Monday is a joyful celebration of family, whānau, aiga, ohana, parivaar, jiātíng, familia, clann designed for grandparents and grandies to come together at Toitoi and get creative.Tickets available here 
 
MUSICKING TOGETHER, WELLINGTON: 
Monday 13 April, 6 – 7pm at Evaro, level 1, 65 Cuba Street 
Musicking Together is a free community music circle run by music therapist Sophie Sabri in collaboration with different local musicians each month. It is open to anyone who has a love for music, and no musical experience is required. Free event, open to everyone! More Info here 

FULL MOON DRUMMING , WELLINGTON
Thursday 2nd April, 7pm at Herbies Beach
Full Moon Drumming led by music therapist Carlos Riegelhaupt Landreani is an inclusive, all-ages, alcohol and waste free community gathering offering an opportunity to wrap yourself in the beauty and simplicity of collective expression through drumming, dancing, and singing around the fire. More Info availble here 
 

RAUKATAURI MUSIC THERAPY CENTRE: SCHOOL HOLIDAY SESSIONS
Wednesday 8 April and Tuesday 14 April at Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre, Level 0, 5 Carlton Gore Road, Grafton, Auckland
Two drum circle sessions and two small-group sensory music sessions.The Drum Circles are high-energy, collaborative, confidence-building rhythm experiences. No experience needed. The Sensory Sessions are calmer, smaller groups with thoughtful sensory support and structured musical exploration.
Limited spaces! More Info here
 

SOUTHERN MUSIC THERAPY: SCHOOL HOLIDAY SESSIONS 
Tuesday 14 April at Braintree Wellness Centre, 70 Langdons Road, Papanui
SMT’s inclusive School Holiday Programme gives those with additional learning needs an opportunity to come together, connect and build relationships in the community through collaborative creative interactions and music making in a supportive and respectful environment.
RSVP here 

Further information about Music Therapy Week and events happening around Aotearoa will be available soon at www.musictherapy.org.nz