Besson Musical Instruments has donated a collection of instruments valued at $65,000NZD (£35,500 approx) to Tongan communities following the Hunga Tonga-Hunga HaÊ»apai volcano eruption earlier this year.
Fraternity
The initial announcement of the awards to schools and organisations was made at the 2022 New Zealand National Championships in Wellington as a mark of fraternal support.
The instruments will be used by school brass bands to rebuild the vibrant band community of Tonga. They were presented to school leaders in Nuku'alofa and Vava'u by Besson representatives Christopher Thomson and Harmen Vanhoorne (above).
Support
The donation from Besson was made possible by the generous support of Buffet Crampon, ABI Music in Auckland, His Majesty's Armed Forces of Tonga for ground support, and the Royal New Zealand Navy, who provided international transport.