Sarah Spence
Music Director
Bachelor of Music (Honours) Cello Performance, RNCM
German Master of Chamber Music, Robert Schumann Musik Hochschule
As Music Director, Sarah Spence directs the musical delivery of the Sistema Aotearoa programme. Through leading the tutor team and the design, development, and implementation of the curriculum, she creates an exciting and high-quality teaching environment. This makes Sistema Aotearoa a rewarding and interesting setting for tutors to work, and an inspirational and fun place for ākonga to learn.
Sarah is a highly-skilled professional cellist. Alongside her role at Sistema Aotearoa, she regularly performs in Auckland’s professional orchestras, records, tours with various groups around the country, and has played with visiting artists across musical genres such as Sol3Mio, Hugh Jackman and Tami Neilson. Her pedagogical experience was developed here in Aotearoa as well as in the UK and Germany.
Sarah has extensive experience working with all age groups and stages of learning, and believes music can play a key role in developing life-skills that create a strong foundation for success not only at school, but into the future.
Anne Filimoehala
Lead Tutor
Anne Filimoehala was raised in a musical family and entered the world of brass bands at the age of six. She currently serves as Principal Horn for the Waitākere Auckland Brass and has performed extensively with the National Secondary Schools Brass Band and the National Youth Brass Band, earning numerous regional and national awards along the way.
In 2021, Anne graduated with a Bachelor of Music with Honours from the University of Auckland, majoring in Classical Violin Performance under the tutelage of Mark Bennett. Her diverse musical expertise spans performance, education, and conducting.
Anne is the Lead Tutor at Sistema Aotearoa, co-founder of the WLCA Concert Series, and runs a private teaching studio. She is also an Associate Conducting Fellow with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, having toured with the NZSO to Tonga, conducted with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra (APO), and collaborated with a wide range of ensembles across the Tāmaki Makaurau community.
Passionate about music education and accessibility, Anne is committed to empowering communities through music-making and celebrates the growth and success of the groups she supports.
Justin Michael Ng
Programme Administrator
Justin has been an integral part of Sistema Aotearoa since 2012, initially starting as a tutor. He then took on the role of Programme Support Assistant for five years, followed by Programme Coordinator, before stepping into his current position as Administrator. Throughout these roles, Justin has continued to teach, supporting students in their musical and personal growth.
In his current role as Administrator, Justin plays a key part in ensuring the smooth running of the programme, managing essential administrative tasks, and providing resources to support both students and staff. He is passionate about creating a positive and engaging environment for young musicians, helping them thrive in their musical journeys and within the community.
Mae Wiperi
Kaiāwhina
A welcoming smile, an attuned and conscientious listener, Mae Wiperia is an important part of the delivery team. Mae, is parent of three ākonga in the programme and is the welcoming face at the registration desk each day. Mae looks after the student attendances, ensures smooth communication with our parents, and runs the child refreshments – she’s a certified food handler too! What a great lady.
William Kingi
Youth Advisor
William Kingi (Will) is a passionate advocate for empowering young people through music and leadership development. As the Youth Advisor at SISTEMA Aotearoa in Ōtara, Auckland, Will plays a vital role in fostering youth leadership and providing pathways for young Pasifika musicians. His work is centred on ensuring that young people feel seen, heard, and equipped with the skills to become future leaders within their communities.
In his leadership role at Sistema Aotearoa, Will oversees the youth outreach programme and the overseas excursion programme, providing young people with unique opportunities to broaden their horizons and develop their musical and personal skills. His work is driven by the belief that music can be a powerful tool for personal growth, community empowerment, and social change, and he strives to create an environment where every young person is encouraged to think deeply about how they can contribute to their community.
“My mission is to empower young people by helping them discover their strengths, develop their talents, and prepare them for leadership roles in the future,” he says. “I aim to create a space where youth voices are not just heard but valued, and where cultural identity plays a central role in their development.”
Will’s commitment to youth development is informed by his own experiences and values. He brings a wealth of experience in community arts, music education, and youth leadership, which he has honed over a decade of work both in Aotearoa and internationally. Prior to hiswork at SISTEMA, Will coordinated the Pacific Festival of Brass and a youth internship programme aligned with Auckland’s UNESCO City of Music Strategy and also works as the Pasifika Navigator for Choirs Aotearoa New Zealand.
Iain Rea
General Manager
Iain has played cello since he was in Year 7, playing in school and later, city orchestras. He plays in DCO, a community orchestra, and a weekly quartet. He has a background in arts, media and entertainment and is passionate about community development and the role the arts play in bringing all voices to concert.
Iain’s role is to support the staff to deliver the Sistema Aotearoa programme in Ōtara and surrounds, encouraging musical excellence within a joyful, safe and supportive atmosphere that in turn encourages the personal growth of young people, empowering families and communities.
Shona Roberts
Partnerships
Having grown up in a family that had a rehearsal stage in the basement, it was no surprise when Shona began to work in the arts. She has held senior roles in a variety of organisations, including Auckland Arts Festival, where she was Business & Finance Director for 14 years. At New Zealand Opera she was Director of Artistic Operations, and has also been the Manager of Uxbridge – Howick’s Creative Centre. During a stint in Australia she ran a programming department at the Sydney Opera House and worked for the youth sail training ship Young Endeavour. She’s thrilled to be supporting Sistema Aotearoa’s partnerships.