The President of the Brass Band Association of New Zealand (BBANZ) has stated that one of the biggest challenges for his organisation for 2026 will be raising funds to operate its various representative bands, after he revealed it had been unsuccessful with all its recent grant application bids.

John Sullivan's observation was made in his regular foreword column to the on-line 'Mouthpiece' magazine, the official journal for the nation's banding movement, and followed the success of the recent annual National Youth Brass Band of New Zealand course in Auckland.

Friends support

He stated: "Perhaps indicative of current economic conditions, we were unsuccessful with all grant applications for this year's National Youth Band. Therefore, we are extremely grateful to the Friends of the NYBB, who, over many years, have continued to generously support the band with an annual donation."

And in asking people to consider supporting alternative efforts such as regular payroll donations to BBANZ he added: "We must continue to explore alternative methods to secure the funds needed to deliver the National Secondary Schools' Band, National Youth Band, and National Band, all of which are vital to the sustainability of brass banding in New Zealand."

Successful course

His comments came after the magazine reported that the National Youth Band course had been an overwhelming success.

In his reflections MD, Mark Carter stated that, "it had been a privilege to stand in front of this group of talented young musicians", in a series of concerts that saw them perform works as diverse as 'Cloudcatcher Fells' and 'Tam O'Shanter's Ride' to the marimba quartet 'Watercolour Sun' and 'Rings of Saturn' by Philip Harper.

Band Manager, Emily Richards further emphasised the importance of the NYBBNZ and the support it gained from local sponsors and banding community, as she added: "Year after year, the NYBB reinforces the critical role the young players play in the future of our movement.

Thank you to everyone across the motu who spends their time supporting youth development."

Year after year, the NYBB reinforces the critical role the young players play in the future of our movementBand Manager, Emily Richards

National good news

There was also good news to report with the National Championships returning to Wellington in April, with early indications were that over 40 bands had indicated that they would be competing, including at least three from Australia.

Local organisers also reported that the championships will take place at the Michael Fowler Centre and the Opera House from the 8th to 11th April, with the famous 'Parade of Bands' on the Friday afternoon.

The Sunday afternoon Gala Concert will see the National Band of New Zealand perform under the baton of David Bremner.