Of Rongowhakaata & Ngāti Porou whakapapa, Sarah grew up in the music industry before making her own mark. Formerly managing the Aotearoa Music Awards on behalf of Recorded Music NZ, she now channels her expertise into event and artist liaison for AMA while also assuming the role of kairangaranga for the Māori Music Industry Coalition - breathing life into the innovative visions they hold for the future of their hapori puoro.
Brandon Haru is a multi-instrumentalist and award-winning producer for the likes of Ladi6, Valkyrie, @peace and Niko Walters. Brandon explores and experiments with new forms of musical expression, always looking to the essence of his cultural roots. Brandon's talent has been recognised globally, with US production legend Timbaland singing praises of the New Zealand producer.
Calvin works for Parachute Music, where he oversees their community and wellbeing initiatives. In addition to providing bespoke support and professional supervision to professionals in the music industry, Calvin has been a strong advocate for developing approaches to music careers that are healthy and sustainable and lends his insights to industry projects when needed.
Anna (Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga) is Kaitiaki for SoundCheck Aotearoa, overseeing the build of programs, day-to-day operations, and mahitahi between SoundCheck Aotearoa and fellow community groups. Anna grew up in Aotearoa’s music community, adopting many kaumatua and whānau along the way, working in a number of artist support roles.
For over 25 years Carmel has been involved in the music industry. Her career started as the Epic Records Promotion Manager for CBS Records before she headed to Powerstation Concert Venue where she was General Manager for 5 years. She is now Community Relationship Consultant for MusicHelps, a charity that undertakes a Grants programme for organisations that use the power of music to help & heal and provides a 24/7 Helpline and counselling services to New Zealanders who make their living through music.
Rachel Ashby is a broadcaster, music journalist and arts writer based in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland. She has been the host of the 95bFM Breakfast show since 2019, and previously hosted the dedicated arts and culture show ‘Artbank’. Rachel is also the Capabilities Coordinator at the New Zealand Music Commission.
Mikee Carpinter is a experienced music manager with over 20 years in the New Zealand music industry. He has a proven track record of successfully guiding new acts into the industry, offering expert guidance on all aspects of the music business including funding, radio pitching, team building, content creation, and release strategies.
Maggie Tweedie grew up at Lake Tutira, a small village in rural Hawkes Bay. She has a Bachelor of Communications in Expressive Arts and Journalism. A broadcaster for nine years, Maggie began volunteering in community radio in Wellington and worked in Melbourne at SYN Media, before joining Radioactive.FM. In 2021 she began working for the public broadcaster hosting the RNZ Music Pocket Edition every week and continues to work as a journalist for the RNZ in Tamaki Makaurau.
