MThNZ Conference 2026

Music Therapy New Zealand’s 2026 conference has the theme, Te Poutama Hononga: Weaving Connections. This theme celebrates the art of weaving together people, stories, and music, creating patterns of understanding, and community. The te reo name, gifted by Matua Sonny Niha (University of Auckland Centre for Brain Research) means “the connected journey of achievement and progress”. Each thread represents a unique experience or voice, and through the process of weaving diverse strands, new relationships and meanings emerge.

Keynote speakers will be Katie Pureti and Jan McConnell (Mauri Tui Tuia Creative Therapies NZ), and Dr Waireti Roestenburg (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairoa, Ngāti Pāhauwera, Rongomaiwahine, Ngāpuhi nui- tonu, Dutch, Irish, English). Dr Waireti will also present a workshop on Sunday 13 September, on Taonga Ihi Orooro – Māori Sacred Sound Healing.