Developing and supporting music projects around the country.

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.

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

Every day, in my role at APRA AMCOS, I am reminded of the commercial value of music.Read more

Damian Vaughan

Former CEO | Recorded Music New Zealand

As a lifelong music fan, but also having the privilege of being closeRead more

Cath Anderson

Chief Executive | NZ Music Commission

It is humbling to see the amazing work by organisations around the countryRead more

Don McGlashan

Artist, Songwriter

Music heals us, exhilarates us, comforts us and inspires us.Read more

Joel Little

Producer, Songwriter, Musician

MusicHelps does hugely important, life changing work, and helps so many people in so many ways.Read more

Jo Oliver

CEO | Recorded Music New Zealand

I'm a firm believer in the power of music to improve the world for everyone, and in particular our artists.Read more

Mark Kneebone

Managing Director | Live Nation NZ

I am proud to play a small part in the amazing work that MusicHelps provides to the wider industry.Read more

Nikki Streater

General Manager | Satellite

Raised in Manchester, the power of music was never in doubt for me.Read more

Myra Hemara

General Manager of International Artists & Audience Development | Universal Music

I’m extremely passionate about music and have been part of the music community and industry within Aotearoa for over 15 years.Read more

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.

Our Supporters