Empowering youth through practical skills, role models and music in a safe, supportive space.
Empowering youth by through practical skills and role models in a safe, supportive space.
By creating an inclusive, fun, and supportive space for our young people, we’re helping to build a brighter future for music and musicians in Aotearoa.
“They came home buzzing each day and it was really nice to see their confidence building. We really appreciate this space for them to be in that builds their talents and affirms their gender.”
Whānau of youth participant
“I got to learn drums and they filled a hole in my heart I didn’t know I had”
Youth participant
21
Holiday programmes across 4 centres
22
Workshops across 5 centres
147
Bands formed
809
Youth engaged
Holiday Programme:
Tāmaki Makaurau
We are proud to announce that our To the Front Tāmaki Makaurau programme is back for 2026! Held Monday 12 to Saturday 17 January 2026, at SAE Parnell, youth will learn instruments, form bands, write original songs and more, all guided by professional musicians.
Learn more or apply below!
Nov 8th 2025 — Ōtepoti
Workshop: Make A Band From Nothing
Come make music with others in a fun and supportive environment! Be guided by professionals through a series of activities designed to take some of the stress out of the creative process. Suitable for all experience levels.
Nov 15th 2025 — Tāmaki Makaurau
Workshop: Crafting Creative Identity
Join us in a supportive space for you to meet fellow musicians, share your music and have a kōrero about ways to help artists grow – hosted by Huiming from Flowerstream!
Guides: Top Tips Videos!
Get started on your music making journey with these practical videos from the To The Front team
Feb 6-8th 2026 — Whanganui
Adult Rock Camp Manawatū-Whanganui
Calling adults over 18 for a 3 day, 2 nights sleep-away camp where participants will participate in instrument lessons, band practice, workshops and more! Held at The Learning Environment, Whanganui
2024 Annual Return
Check out our Annual Return for the year end 31 March 2024 to learn all about what we do at Girls Rock Aotearoa!
To The Front Adult Rock Camp Manawatū-Whanganui 2026!
Made possible by generous support from Whanganui City Council, Creative Communities Scheme and The Learning Environment.
Adult Rock Camp: Friday 6 – Sunday 8 February – Waitangi Weekend – overnight stay Friday & Saturday nights
Venue: The Learning Environment Pīwaiwaka Farm, 673 Papaiti Road, Whanganui
Showcase: Sun 8 February 4.30pm-6.30pm
Learn more
To The Front Adult Rock Camp will offer music based collaborative learning and confidence building for women, transgender, takatāpui, queer and gender diverse people aged 18+. The programme is a 3 day, 2 nights sleep-away camp where participants will participate in instrument lessons, band practice, workshops and more! To conclude the programme they will then perform in a showcase to a supportive audience of whānau and friends.
The programme will be in an environment fit for creative expression, a retreat nestled in nature to inspire our participants in their songwriting. Our host venue, The Learning Environment, will provide a setting that can inspire, relax and invigorate.
This programme is open to people who live in Manawatū-Whanganui only. All musical experience levels welcome!
To The Front Ōtepoti Make a Band From Nothing!
WHEN: Nov 8th 2025 10am-2pm
WHERE: South Link Studios (5 Melville St, Dunedin Central)
COST: Free
WHO: Young women, trans, intersex, queer, takatāpui and gender-diverse people aged 12-19.
Come make music with others in a fun and supportive environment! Be guided by professionals through a series of activities designed to take some of the stress out of the creative process. Suitable for all experience levels. For questions or to chat email Eliana: hello@tothefront.co.nz.
10 places available.
No musical experience required
Made possible by generous support from the Dunedin City Council, Otago Community Trust and South Link Productions.
Crafting Creative Identity Workshop
WHERE: TĀMAKI MAKAURAU
COST: Free!
WHO: Ages 12+
A supportive space for you to meet fellow musicians, share your music and have a kōrero about ways to help artists grow. You will also have a chance to explore your personal artist identity through crafting or other art forms.
ANNUAL RETURNS
We've had a fantastic year at Girls Rock Aotearoa with our To the Front and Pathways programmes.
Check out our Annual Return for the year end 31 March 2025 to learn all about what we do at Girls Rock Aotearoa!
Girls Rock Aotearoa have been selected as the Tier 3 winners for the 2025 New Zealand For Purpose Reporting Awards.
The Awards, organised by Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), celebrate best practice in adopting accounting standards which provide greater transparency and consistency in reporting across the sector.
“Our kid had an amazing time at To The Front. They came home buzzing each day and it was really nice to see their confidence building. We really appreciate this space for them to be in that builds their talents and affirms their gender.”
- Whānau of youth participant
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