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.
MISSION
Girls Rock Aotearoa is a charity that offers holiday programmes and workshops for young women, trans, intersex, takatāpui, queer and gender-diverse youth where music is the medium to build confidence, empowerment and foster social change.
21
Holiday programmes across 4 centres
22
Workshops across 5 centres
147
Bands formed
809
Youth engaged
Holiday Programme:
Kirikiriroa
We are proud to announce the return of our Hamilton programme, To the Front Kirikiriroa! The youth music programme will be held in the school holidays between Monday 13 – Thursday 16 April, hosted by Zeal Hamilton.
Learn more or apply below!
Holiday Programme:
Pōneke
Join us for an exciting week long holiday programme led by industry mentors in the capital! From 5th-9th July hosted at Massey University Wellington, College of Creative Arts.
Learn more or apply below!
To The Front Kirikiriroa Recording Workshop
WHEN: 28 Feb – 1 Mar 2026 10am-4pm
WHERE: The Porch Recording Studio (439B Rotokauri Road Hamilton)
COST: Free
WHO: Young women, trans, intersex, queer, takatāpui and gender-diverse people aged 12-19.
Join us for an awesome two day Recording Workshop! Over the weekend you will gain confidence and experience in a recording studio.
No musical experience required
Made possible by generous support from the Hamilton City Council Creative Communities and The Porch Recording Studio.
“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
“The benefits of camp continue long after it finishes - friendships made and confidence grows. It really is an amazing experience.”
Whānau of youth participant
“Not only did the programme sponsor me when I could not afford to attend regularly, it set me on a completely new and exciting path towards that of a Music Professional, and I have grown both as a person and a musician in the lovely educational community they have created.”
Musician, previous youth participant and mentor
100%
Of youth participants learnt new skills
Feedback gathered from post programme surveys.
97.5%
Of youth participants whose general
confidence had increased
Feedback gathered from post programme surveys.
IMPACT
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.
GIRLS ROCK AOTEAROA IS SUPPORTED BY
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