For more than a decade, the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board has supported Takapuna-based North Shore Brass to bring live brass music, performances and music education to communities across Devonport, Takapuna and the wider North Shore.
In 2024/25, the board provided $10,000 in operational funding to support the band’s performances, access to instruments and targeted teaching programmes in brass and percussion, with a particular focus on young people. During the year, North Shore Brass delivered 39 programmes reaching 2,860 participants.
Now the 103-year-old Takapuna-based band has another achievement to celebrate.
In April, North Shore Brass won the New Zealand National Brass Band Championships A Grade for the first time in its history. The band also took out Best Own Choice Test Piece Performance, Best Test Piece
Performance and Best Section in the Test Piece for its percussion section. Principal cornet Harmen Vanhoorne was named Best Principal Cornet in the Own Choice, while conductor Nigel Weeks led the winning performance.
For band president Owen Melhuish, the victory was the culmination of years of work.
“Winning the National A Grade Championship for the first time in our history has been an incredible achievement for North Shore Brass. It’s a testament to the dedication and hard work of our musicians, conductor and supporters. We’re proud to represent the North Shore and excited about what’s ahead for the band.”
The championships were also a personal success for North Shore Brass musician Aishah Leitner, who returned to perform with the band and won both the Invitation Slow Melody and Open Trombone titles. Leitner is also a member of the New Zealand Army Band.
The band’s Academy continues to provide a pathway for younger musicians. Eleven-year-old Celine Wu, from the Academy Band, was among North Shore Brass players who performed in the National Band of New Zealand concert during championship weekend.
The national victory has also been celebrated closer to home, with North Shore Brass hosting its Champion Brass concert at North Harbour Stadium in July.
The band has plenty more music planned locally. Stars of Brass takes place at St Peter’s Anglican Church, 11 Killarney Street, on Saturday 31 October at 3pm, featuring guest conductor Mark Ford OAM, who recently received a King’s Honour. Entry is by koha/donation.
The band will also continue its 2026 programme with Christmas @ Holy Trinity, at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell on Saturday 5 December at 7.30pm. Tickets will be available through Ticketek, with door sales also available on the night.
For Devonport-Takapuna Local Board, the band’s success reflects the value of supporting organisations that create opportunities for people of all ages to participate in music while bringing performances to the wider community.
“North Shore Brass has given the North Shore plenty to celebrate this year. Their national championship win is an outstanding achievement, and it is wonderful to see the dedication of their musicians and the opportunities they provide for young people through their Academy.,” says local board chair Trish Deans.
"We’re proud to support an organisation that brings music, connection and community to the North Shore.”
From its Academy musicians to its championship performers, North Shore Brass continues to build on a remarkable year while bringing live music to audiences across the North Shore.
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