MusicHelps' supporters believe in the power of music to help and heal.
We support hundreds of projects across New Zealand, each using the power of music to change the lives of thousands of New Zealanders in need. This includes music therapy, music programs in respite and palliative care, music education programs (particularly in low decile environments), music programs in prisons and rehabilitation and music in aged care to name but a few initiatives we support.
We also provide emergency assistance to thousands of music people experiencing hardship and illness through our suite of music support services, including a world first, professional online, on-the-phone and face-to-face counselling service tailored to people who make music possible.
MusicHelps is a registered charity. It is governed by a board of music loving professionals who lend their expertise and passion to the cause.
All administration costs are covered by the music industry itself. 100% of what you contribute will be applied directly to the music charities we support. If this aligns with your corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts please get in touch. We would love you to join our team of supporters.
Developing and supporting music projects around the country.
Our Patrons
Neil Finn
New Zealand’s favourite troubadour, Neil Finn is a unique songwriter, a craftsman who writes deceptively simple lyrics full of warmth and emotion.
His career includes some of bands that have shaped New Zealand’s soundtrack both here and around the world – Spilt Enz, The Mullanes, Crowded House, Finn Brothers, The Pajama Club, a collaboration with son Liam and most recently, Fleetwood Mac.
Lorde
Lorde is Ella Yelich-O’Connor, born and raised on Auckland’s North Shore, and possessed of a singular ability to capture majesty and mundanity in striking melodic snapshots that belie her age and experience.
Lorde’s music melds concentrated, sharp-eyed lyrics and multi-layered vocals with crisp beatscapes. Amidst a world of calculating contest winners, manufactured show ponies and cheap knock offs – Lorde is a true original.
Trustees
Anthony Healey
Chair | Director of NZ Operations, APRA|AMCOS
Damian Vaughan
Former CEO | Recorded Music New Zealand
Cath Anderson
Chief Executive | NZ Music Commission
Don McGlashan
Artist, Songwriter
Joel Little
Producer, Songwriter, Musician
Jo Oliver
CEO | Recorded Music New Zealand
Mark Kneebone
Managing Director | Live Nation NZ
Nikki Streater
General Manager | Satellite
Myra Hemara
General Manager of International Artists & Audience Development | Universal Music
Founders
MusicHelps was founded by longtime friends and music community stalwarts Campbell Smith ONZM and Barbara Ward.
In 2003 Campbell and Barbara (along with Dame Hinewehi Mohi and George Bradfield) had co-founded the Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust and its therapy centre (RMTC) in Auckland.
The amazing work undertaken at the RMTC instilled in Campbell and Barbara a greater understanding of and a deep belief in the power of music to heal.
Music therapy was one powerful outlet but they learned that all over Aotearoa all sorts of charities entitles and people big and small were using music to improve the lives of others. Inspired by that, wanting to connect the music community to that effort and motivated to help, they conceived of MusicHelps.
Campbell served as a trustee and the founding chair of MusicHelps from its inception until his retirement in 2021. Barbara served as a trustee of MusicHelps from its inception until her retirement in 2021. Both believe that their baby is in rude health and in good hands.
In Memory
Malcolm Black, 1961 – 2019
Chairman Les Mills Music Ltd, Director APRA
Malcolm Black worked in the music industry for his entire career, initially as a musician and then as a music lawyer and a record company executive. He served as Chairman of Les Mills Music Licensing Ltd and as APRA’s New Zealand writer director representative on the APRA Board. Malcolm had a passion for the welfare of kiwi music people, a powerful belief in the power of music to help & heal those in need in Aotearoa and was a tireless Trustee of MusicHelps. He is greatly missed. Era i roto i te rangimarie.
Using the power of music to help and heal
Our Supporters
