Meaningful Moments In Music Therapy: Celebrating Diverse Communities Across Aotearoa

Thursday, 6 March 2025, 10:17 pm
Press Release: Elephant Publicity

Music Therapy New Zealand (MThNZ) is
excited to celebrate Music Therapy Week 2025
from 10th – 15th April 2025. 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. With 92 Registered Music Therapists and
six dedicated music therapy services operating alongside
independent practitioners nationwide, these professionals
work in schools, hospitals, hospices, aged care facilities,
community centres, and correctional facilities making a
tangible difference every day.

The theme was chosen to
align with the World Federation of Music Therapies
(WFMT) kaupapa, which emphasises meaningful moments
in music therapy. At a time when division and hostility are
increasing in political narratives both in Aotearoa and
globally, it reinforces the profession’s absolute
commitment to inclusivity. Music therapy has always been a
space where ability, gender, ethnicity, and background are
embraced, ensuring that everyone can experience the profound
impact of music therapy. The work of music therapists
extends across all communities, reflecting the universal
language of music as a tool for connection and
understanding.

“We want to show Aotearoa how we
as a profession are directing our aroha through our mahi
into the communities we operate in, joining the rich
tapestry of all the caring professions, and standing proudly
beside them throughout this beautiful country. We aim to
uphold the values of Inclusivity, compassion, care,
creativity, growth, equity, acceptance and a multitude of
other words I could use to describe the incredibly rewarding
and meaningful work we undertake.” says Matt Carroll,
Registered Music Therapist, Raukatauri Music Therapy
Trust.

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Music therapy reaches people from all walks of
life. Whether it’s an autistic child using music to
communicate for the first time, an older adult reconnecting
with cherished memories through song, or a patient in
palliative care finding peace in live music, the impact is
profound. It also supports refugees adjusting to new lives,
young people in youth justice centres expressing emotions,
and individuals in prisons processing experiences and
building self-confidence through
songwriting.

The six services in Aotearoa
dedicated to music therapy are: Raukatauri Music
Therapy Trust which
operates in Auckland, Hawke’s
Bay & Northland. In Christchurch, Southern Music
Therapy and Therapy Professionals,
in Northland Mauri Tui Tuia, in
Porirua Little Musical
Caravan and Music for Life in
Lower Hutt. In addition to these services, there are also
many independent practitioners working across the country.
You can find a therapist at musictherapy.org.nz

“It’s
incredibly rewarding to witness people’s transformation,
seeing tangible improvements in communication, emotional
expression, social connection, and quality of life. I love
using music and creativity as a therapeutic tool, supporting
people on their journey toward greater well-being.” says
Carlos Riegelhaupt Landreani, Registered Music
Therapist.

MThNZ invites everyone to celebrate the
meaningful moments that happen daily through music therapy
and to recognise the role it plays in enriching the lives of
diverse communities across Aotearoa.

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