
About Sistema Aotearoa
‘The Sound of Community’
Who We Are
Walk through Ōtara Town Square on any afternoon, and you’ll spot smiling children carrying violins or balancing cellos on their backs. These eager young musicians are heading to Ōtara Music Arts Centre (ŌMAC) — the heart of Sistema Aotearoa, one of Aotearoa’s most unique and impactful music and social development programmes.
Inspired by El Sistema and similar initiatives around the world, Sistema Aotearoa uses orchestral music to nurture confidence, connection, and a deep sense of community. Our free, intensive, ensemble-based music education helps children discover their potential and grow as leaders, learners, and teammates — both on and off the stage.


What We Do
Sistema Aotearoa provides free, high-quality music education to tamariki in South Auckland, with a focus on building strong communities through collective music-making.
Our programme begins in partner schools, where children take part in in-school music sessions. As they progress, students are invited to join our after-school orchestras, where they continue learning in a fun, challenging, and supportive environment. From their very first notes to full orchestral performances, our students grow in confidence, teamwork, and resilience.
We also offer:
Holiday courses that deepen musical learning and connection
Public performances that celebrate progress and pride
Family and whānau engagement to support every child’s journey
Instrument loans and resources, removing financial barriers to participation
At every stage, we use music as a tool to unlock potential, foster belonging, and raise up future leaders.
Who We Work With
Partner Organizations
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Collaborative Projects
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Our Supporters
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Creative New Zealand
KIWI
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Foundation North
KIWI
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Four Winds Foundation
KIWI
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Ministry of Youth Development
Kiwi
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Freemasons Foundation
Kiwi
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Pub Charity Ltd
Kiwi
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Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board
Kārearea
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Meet the Tutor Team
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Sarah Spence
MUSIC DIRECTOR
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Anne Filimoehala
LEAD TUTOR
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Justin Michael Ng
PROGRAMME ADMINISTRATOR
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William Kingi
YOUTH ADVISOR
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Mae Wiperi
KAIĀWHINA
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Iain Rea
GENERAL MANAGER
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Governance & Support
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Bernardine Vester
BOARD CHAIRPERSON
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Adeleina Loto Meleisea
BOARD MEMBER
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Banapa Avatea
BOARD MEMBER
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Carly Tawhiao
BOARD MEMBER
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Essendon Tuitupou
BOARD MEMBER
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Lesieli Kavali
BOARD MEMBER
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Mark Bennett
BOARD MEMBER
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Ruth Sio-Lokam
BOARD MEMBER
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Tasha Hohaia
BOARD MEMBER
Our Impact
Sistema Aotearoa reaches hundreds of children and families each year through free, high-quality music education.