Originally from the Philippines and been here in Wellington since 2011. I graduated with a degree of Bachelor in Business Office Administration and held various administrative roles in a telecommunication company overseas.

In March 2019, my family (husband and 4 daughters) moved to Waitangirua, Porirua from Johnsonville, Wellington. I really wanted to get back to an administration job so I started to get involved in volunteer activities to meet new people and be part of the community. I also took up a short course in Whitireia (2015-2016) to refresh my computer skills. In October 2017, I got a part time job offer in a Property Valuation firm in Tawa where I am currently part of the Administration Team.

Being part of Mana Music as Supervisor is a challenging role but I am keen on learning new processes to be able to improve my personal and professional development.

I have had a strong connection with The Mana Music Centre since 2011, when our children began lessons here. While at school, I had formal piano lessons for about 6 years. I enjoy listening to, and playing, a variety of musical styles and instruments.

I learnt to play the violin and viola at an early age here in Porirua. I performed in groups for fun and enjoyment and this has continued throughout my whole life.

I learnt to play the tuba and have played in the local brass band for many years. In that time, I have performed in many national brass band events. I am also the Musical Director of the Porirua Youth Brass and have taught many players over the years, including woodwind and strings.

I thoroughly enjoy the challenge of teaching music in the community.

I’ve been playing guitar for over 20 years and have been teaching at Mana Music Centre since 2018. I love helping people discover music, develop confidence, and enjoy learning in a relaxed and encouraging environment.

I completed a Diploma in Audio Engineering & Music Production and have a long-standing passion for music. I enjoy playing a variety of instruments and taking part in local jam sessions. Alongside teaching at Mana Music Centre, I also teach privately and lead a local ukulele group.

Lessons at Mana Music focus on building confidence with chords, strumming, picking, and overall guitar technique while keeping learning fun and engaging.

Originally from the UK, I moved to New Zealand back in 2017. I am a multi-instrumentalist and have been passionate about music now for nearly 20 years. I enjoy tutoring, performing at gigs and playing in bands.

I am a qualified primary school teacher and also hold a bachelor of music degree, obtained at Otago University.

I love teaching at Mana Music, and it is a privilege to get kids into the magic of playing music!

I am a Wellington-based pianist, composer, and music teacher who has been working at Mana Music since 2021. I have a background in composition and years of experience playing and teaching piano. I studied at the Te Herenga Waka New Zealand School of Music, and currently works as a freelance composer outside of my music teaching. I enjoy helping students build confidence, develop their skills, and most importantly, have fun while making (and discovering) music.

My name is Kian . I have been teaching at the Mana Music Centre since 2012.

As an experienced Piano/Keyboard teacher, I am passionate about helping students grow in confidence, develop musical skills, and build a lifelong love of music. My lessons are designed to be encouraging, enjoyable, and suited to each student’s learning level and ability.

I come from a very musical family and have been learning the piano and cello since early childhood.

I also love composing, and have won national/international awards for my compositions.

I have been teaching at Mana for three years, and have taught private students for five.

I am currently studying postgraduate Cell and Molecular Biology at Victoria University of Wellington, working on a project related to ovarian cancer treatment. I have also taken various music papers at the university, and have tutored both music and biology students.

I am extremely passionate about teaching and passing my love for music on to the next generation. 

Kia ora! I’ve been playing keyboard for my whole life, but playing clarinet is what makes my heart flutter (I’ve been playing for 7 years).

I love to sing and do so with the Tawa College Blue Notes, a Barbershop Quartet, and the New Zealand Secondary Students Choir.  

I’m in my first year at Mana Music Center, and my final year at Tawa College. I’m currently studying te reo Māori, English, Maths, History, and of course, music. 

Teaching is something that excites me immensely, and something I’m looking forward to continue doing.

I have been working at Mana Music Centre for two years now, both as a tutor and a reliever. 

I am also a former Mana Music Centre student myself, having learned piano/keyboard under Val Bean in 2019.

I continued my music studies at Aotea College, where I completed NCEA Music up to Level 3.

I am currently studying at Victoria University of Wellington towards a Bachelor of Laws conjoint with a Bachelor of Arts, with a major in History and minor in Political Science.

I play piano in my spare time, for my church, and for gigs here and there at university and family gatherings. I also play club rugby for Paremata-Plimmerton Rugby Club.

Kia ora, I’m Marilyn.

I’m a volunteer on the Mana Music Centre committee, currently in the Chair position.

I have a life-long love of music, learning the piano and violin, and my son had his first lessons at Mana Music Centre.

I live in Paremata, and think Mana Music is a great way to support young people develop an interest in music.

I enjoy supporting MMC staff, tutors and our families make the most of MMC lessons.

My son had lessons through Mana Music Centre, and I’m happy to contribute my skills and time to support this great community organisation.

Officers

Chairperson - Marilyn Hunt

Deputy chairperson - Tom Daniels

Treasurer - Graeme Jones

Secretary - Catherine Grace

Members

Elsa Copeland and Natasha Pilkington

Ex-officio  - Larcy Sevilla

Elected tutors - Seymour Daunakamakama and Tom Daniels