International Day of the Older Person – Ngatea Lions

MONDAY 29 SEPTEMBER 2025

The Kerepehi Brass Bavarian Band had a wonderful time performing at the Lions Club of Ngatea’s International Day of the Older Person on 29 September. The lively Bavarian-style music was warmly received, and the audience especially enjoyed joining in with the sing-along numbers. It was a fun and memorable celebration that brought plenty of smiles and great community spirit.

Battle of Britain Commemorations

SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2025

Yesterday we were honoured to take part in the 85th Anniversary Commemoration of the Battle of Britain at the Sir Keith Park Memorial Airfield in Thames.

We were proud to perform as part of this special service of remembrance. It was a moving occasion to reflect, honour, and remember those who served.

A huge thank you to everyone who came along and supported this important event.

Spectacular Concert!

SATURDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2025

What a truly wonderful night! Our Spectacular concert began with a heartfelt tribute to Rowan, followed by the contest pieces we’ll be performing at the WAIBOP Contest in Hamilton in two weeks.

We were thrilled to be joined on stage by the talented KBB Junior Band and the dynamic Kerepehi Drum Corps.

Thank you to everyone who came along to support us — your presence made the evening even more special.

Band Workshop

SUNDAY 10 AUGUST 2025

On Sunday, the Kerepehi Brass Band spent the afternoon at Hauraki Plains College for a focused workshop day. A huge thank you to our guest sectional leaders for sharing their expertise and guidance — your support made a real difference! Everyone worked hard, learned a lot, and made fantastic progress throughout the day. We’re excited to put these improvements into our future performances.

2025 AGM

WEDNESDAY 18 JUNE 2025

Thank you to everyone who came along to our AGM. Congratulations to our new and returning office holders!

Ngatea Winter Concert

SUNDAY 15 JUNE 2025

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our winter concert! The soloist talents of Fleur Weaver and Elizabeth Pope were wonderful, and we were also lucky to have the Kerepehi Junior Band there also to perform two pieces!

Drum Corps Open Day

THURSDAY 8 MAY 2025

The Kerepehi Brass Band has formed a new Drum Corps group, an exciting development for the organisation! This initiative, offers term-time lessons every Thursday from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at the Kerepehi Brass Band Hall. We would love to welcome new players, including those with no prior experience!

ANZAC Day

FRIDAY 25 APRIL 2025

Our Anzac Day was a busy one, starting with the dawn service on Primrose Hill in Paeroa. We then played at the Paeroa civic service before a quick drive to Ngatea. There, we had the honor of leading the parade and playing in their civic service.

Kauaeranga Valley Fair

SATURDAY 5 APRIL 2025

The Kerepehi Brass Band was delighted to add to the vibrant atmosphere of the Kauaeranga Valley Fair. We thoroughly enjoyed providing music that complemented the relaxed, family-friendly vibe of the event. With a fantastic turnout, numerous stalls, delicious food, and local crafts, the fair offered a wonderful opportunity to share our music and connect with the community beyond the band hall.

Te Kauwhata Rehearsal Evening

WEDNESDAY 12 MARCH 2025

As daylight saving time draws to a close, we wrapped up our series of outdoor rehearsals. Our final session took place at the picturesque Village Green in Te Kauwhata.

Te Aroha Band Rotunda

WEDNESDAY 5 MARCH 2025

This week, we took our rehearsal to the Te Aroha Domain, where the historic band rotunda offered a truly picturesque and inspiring setting.

Real Life Superheroes Day

SUNDAY 2 MARCH 2025

We had the pleasure of performing at the inaugural Real Life Superheroes Day at Paeroa Domain. This free community event celebrated the vital contributions of our region’s essential workers and volunteers.

Rehearsal in Thames

WEDNESDAY 19 FEBRUARY 2025

This week, our rehearsal took place outdoors in Thames, at the small park at the corner of Pollen and Campbell Streets. Despite a brief, light shower, we continued playing, and lots of people stopped by as they were out walking.

Paeroa Domain Band Rotunda

WEDNESDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2025

This week, the Kerepehi Brass Band enjoyed a special change of scenery for our rehearsal! We moved our usual practice session to the historic Paeroa Domain Band Rotunda. It was a fantastic opportunity to rehearse in such a unique setting.

Carols in the Gorge

SUNDAY 22 DECEMBER 2024

It was our 9th year of hosting the Carols in the Gorge, and our biggest one yet!

Christmas Concert

SATURDAY 21 DECEMBER 2024

What an amazing evening we had at the St George’s Church in Thames for our Christmas Concert. We had a great turnout and got everyone in the Christmas spirit!

Thames Carolling – Part 2

WEDNESDAY 18 DECEMBER 2024

Thank you to the locals in Thames for supporting us in our Christmas fundraising!

Waerenga Church Carol Service

MONDAY 16 DECEMBER 2024

We spent a lovely evening providing the music for Waerenga Church’s Carol Service.

Ngatea Carols around the Christmas Tree

SUNDAY 15 DECEMBER 2024

After our Seven Sharp filming at the Karangahake Gorge, we travelled through to Ngatea to play at the Christmas Tree.

Seven Sharp filming

SUNDAY 15 DECEMBER 2024

What a great day! We put on a mock Carols in the Gorge event for Michael Holland and the Seven Sharp crew to film. Lots of band members were interviewed. It was super hot outside, but it was a fun and unique day for us.

Ngatea Santa Parade

THURSDAY 12 DECEMBER 2024

It was a bit wet, but we still had fun!

Thames Carolling – Part 1

WEDNESDAY 11 DECEMBER 2024

We visited the residents of Richmond Villas as well as performing around some of the streets in Thames.

Thames Santa Parade

SATURDAY 7 DECEMBER 2024

It was a long march in the hot sun, but our band members did an amazing job!

Paeroa Santa Parade

FRIDAY 6 DECEMBER 2024

We had a great evening marching in the parade and then meeting Santa afterwards!

Paeroa Carolling

WEDNESDAY 4 DECEMBER 2024

We spent a lovely evening in Paeroa carolling around the streets.

Waihi Christmas at the Lake

SUNDAY 1 DECEMBER 2024

The rain stayed away while we spread some Christmas cheer to Waihi.

Oktoberfest in Thames

SATURDAY 19 OCTOBER 2024

We had a great time at the Oktoberfest in Thames. There was lots of singing, dancing and music!

Oktoberfest in Kaiaua

SUNDAY 6 OCTOBER 2024

We were at the Bay View Hotel in Kaiaua with our Bavarian Band – ‘The FrothBlowers’!

WBOPBBA Regional Contest

SATURDAY 28 & SUNDAY 29 SEPTEMBER 2024

We had an amazing weekend hosting this event! We received some great results:

• Kiara won the U13 Slow Melody
• Kerepehi Junior Band won the D Grade Ensemble
• Kerepehi Brass Band won the D Grade Public Appeal category
• Kerepehi Brass Band was second overall in the D Grade

Valley Profile Article

THURSDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2024

The Valley Profile talked to our Band Master, Andrew Christie! You can read the article here.

Battle of Britain Commemorations

15 SEPTEMBER 2024

We played at the commemorations of the 84th anniversary of the Battle of Britain at the Thames Sailing Club.

Mouthpiece Journal

SEPTEMBER 2024

We are the cover story on the September 2024 issue of NZ Mouthpiece Journal! Go to our homepage to download the issue.

Paeroa Concert – Senior Social Band

MONDAY 19 AUGUST 2024

Our Senior Social Band entertained the residents at the Ohinemuri Rest Home, with both the band members and the audience having a great time!

Check this out!

TUESDAY 6 AUGUST 2024

One of our tenor horn players, Chook Henwood, has just released a book detailing his experiences as a detective in the NZ Police, and how he was involved in some of New Zealand’s most high profile cases! Check out this great write-up about him from the Sunday StarTimes here.

Valley Profile Article

WEDNESDAY 24 JULY 2024

The Valley Profile had a chat to Luke about Kerepehi Brass hosting the WBOPBBA Regional Contest. You can read it here.

BBANZ Nationals, Manukau

12 & 13 JULY 2024

Luke went to the NZ National Competition with Matamata Brass again this year. They won the C-Grade! Congratulations!

Waikato Herald Article

TUESDAY 25 JUNE 2024

The Waikato Herald wrote an article about our quest for funding. You can read it here.

New Euphonium!

JUNE 2024

Thanks to our community’s amazing support and generosity over Christmas, we were able to purchase a brand new euphonium! Our euphonium player, Barry Robinson, was thrilled to play the new instrument. The euphonium he had been using is from 1951!

2024 AGM

WEDNESDAY 19 JUNE 2024

Thank you to everyone who came along to our AGM. Congratulations to our new and returning office holders! See them here.

Ngatea Concert

SUNDAY 26 MAY 2024

Thank you so much to everyone who came out on a rainy and windy day to support us at our latest concert! We had a great time performing it for you!

Kaiaua Twilight Market

SUNDAY 28 APRIL 2024

We had a lovely time performing at the Kaiaua market at the Bay View Hotel. It was a beautiful and sunny day!

ANZAC DAY

THURSDAY 25 APRIL 2024

Our Anzac day started with the dawn service on Primrose Hill in Paeroa. Next we lead the Paeroa Parade before playing in the Paeroa civic service, then it was a quick car ride to Ngatea to lead the parade and play in their civic service.

Besson Northern Youth Band Concert

SUNDAY 14 APRIL 2024

Luke and Daniella went to a two day workshop, taught by David Bremner, ending with a concert on the Sunday afternoon at Papakura High School. They were amazing!

Congratulations!

TUESDAY 19 MARCH 2024

Congratulations to Luke and Daniella for being selected once again for the Besson Northern Youth Band! This year the band is being conducted by David Bremner, and they will be performing a concert on Sunday 14 April at 3pm at Papakura High School, Auckland!

Open Day

TUESDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2024

Thank you to everyone that came along to meet us and try out some instruments!

Paeroa Highland Games

SATURDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2024

We performed for the first time ever at the Paeroa Highland Games! We helped open the games by playing the NZ National Anthem at the beginning of the day. Around midday we performed for another half hour to the public. We also had a stall in the clan village and met lots of prospective players!

Thames Salvation Army’s 140th Birthday

SATURDAY 03 FEBRUARY 2024

We joined in the celebrations for the Thames Salvation Army’s 140th birthday at the Thames Markets!

Back In The Band Hall

WEDNESDAY 31 JANUARY 2024

We had a great turn out for this year’s first practice back in our band hall!

First Band Practice for 2024

WEDNESDAY 24 JANUARY 2024

Our first practice for 2024 was held in a beautiful spot on the Coromandel!

Thames Carolling

WEDNESDAY 20 DECEMBER 2023

Tonight was our last evening of carolling around the towns of Hauraki/Thames Coromandel. We’ve had so much fun! Thank you all so much for your support! Merry Christmas!

Waerenga Church Carol Service

SATURDAY 16 DECEMBER 2023

We had a lovely evening performing carols in the beautiful Waerenga Church!

Thames Carolling

WEDNESDAY 13 DECEMBER 2023

Thank you Thames for such wonderful support! We will be back next Wednesday!

Waihi Christmas at the Lake

SUNDAY 10 DECEMBER 2023

Thank you to the people of Waihi that came along to support us at this event!

Paeroa Carolling

WEDNESDAY 06 DECEMBER 2023

We had two groups carolling tonight, one on the truck, and one walking! Thank you Paeroa for your fantastic support!

Whitianga Santa Parade

SUNDAY 03 DECEMBER 2023

Parade number 3! It was a long drive to get there, but worth it! We had a brilliant time and the crowd was amazing!

Waihi Santa Parade

SATURDAY 02 DECEMBER 2023

Parade number two! We lead the parade and played as the floats travelled up and down the main street.

Paeroa Santa Parade

FRIDAY 01 DECEMBER 2023

Our first parade of the Christmas season, and we won an award – Most Eco Friendly Float!

Ngatea Carolling

WEDNESDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2023

Thank you Ngatea for your wonderful support as we played Christmas carols around town!

Steampunk Parade, Thames

SATURDAY 11 NOVEMBER 2023

We had a great time marching in the Steampunk Parade, and then playing over at the Goldfields Mall! Everyone looked amazing!

HDC OnYa Awards

WEDNESDAY 08 NOVEMBER 2023

A massive congratulations to our band President, Luke van Vliet, who has received a 2023 Hauraki District Council OnYa community award! Luke was recognised for his huge contributions to the Kerepehi Brass Band, in the Arts and Culture category for enhancing and enriching lives!

Oktoberfest, Paeroa & Thames

27 & 28 OCTOBER 2023

Our Bavarian Band, The Frothblowers, played two gigs in Paeroa & Thames!

Salvation Army Church Service, Thames

SUNDAY 16 OCTOBER 2023

We joined in the Salvation Army Church service to play some lovely hymns.

WAIBOPBBA Regional Competition, Cambridge

SATURDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2023

Congratulations to Kiara for winning the Solo Novice section!

WAIBOPBBA Regional Competition, Cambridge

SATURDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2023

Our Junior Band came second in the D Grade Ensemble event playing ‘Battle Hymn of the Republic’! You can watch this on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnLScNzHs3s

Pre-Contest Concert, Paeroa

SUNDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2023

Thank you to everyone who came along to support us at our pre-contest concert! We enjoyed playing our competition pieces for you. Thank you to Katikati Concert Band for joining us.

83rd Battle of Britain Commemorations, Thames

SUNDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2023

It was an honour to play at the Battle of Britain commemorations.

Kerepehi Brass Band CD

AUGUST 2023

We have recorded our very own CD! It has 21 pieces of music including a mixture of items that were originally recorded in 1960; the Big Brass Razoo from September 2022; and also bandroom entertainment recorded in October 2022. The CDs are $20 each. Please contact us to arrange purchase and pick up/postage.

Thames Market & Richmond Villas

SATURDAY 08 JULY 2023

We played at the Thames Market and then at Richmond Villas!

2023 Festival of Brass

WEDNESDAY 5 – SUNDAY 8 JULY 2023

NZ’s Brass Band Champs were held in Dunedin this year. Our very own Luke van Vliet was there, playing with Matamata Brass!

2023 AGM

WEDNESDAY 14 JUNE 2023

Thank you to everyone who came along to our AGM. A big welcome to our new patron, Toby Adams, and our new vice patron, Alex Quinn!

Waerenga Church Concert

SUNDAY 11 JUNE 2023

On a beautiful sunny day, we performed a concert in the lovely Waerenga War Memorial Church. Thank you to everyone who came along! You can watch the concert on our YouTube channel – https://youtu.be/WpK2U95py1E

The Gone

SUNDAY 04 JUNE 2023

Watch out for us in the background of the final episode of The Gone on TV1 tonight!

Matamata Festival of Music

SUNDAY 21 MAY 2023

We performed four songs at Matamata’s Music Festival, and came away with great comments from the adjudicator and a Bronze award!

WBOPBBA Youth Day

SUNDAY 07 MAY

We hosted the 2023 Waikato Bay of Plenty Brass Band Youth Day. Brass players aged 23 and under who have been playing for at least two years could join in this workshop. It was taught by Vickie van Uden – the musical director of the National Secondary School Brass Band! It was a great day with everyone having a lot of fun and learning lots!

Besson Northern Youth Band Concert

THURSDAY 13 APRIL 2023

Three of our young band members, Luke, Daniella and Arnav, were selected to play in the Besson Northern Youth Band! They went to a two day workshop, taught by Dr Robert Childs, ending with a concert on the last night. It was held at St Peter’s Church in Takapuna. They were amazing!

Thames Market

SATURDAY 18 MARCH 2023

We had a celebration of Irish music for St Patrick’s Day!

Congratulations!

SATURDAY 18 MARCH 2023

Congratulations to Arnav, Daniella and Luke for being selected for the Besson Northern Youth Band! The band is being conducted by Dr Robert Childs and they will be performing a concert on Thursday 13 April at 8pm in St Peter’s Church, Takapuna, Auckland!

Wicked

MARCH 2023

Our very own Kerepehi Brass cornet player, Andrew Christie, is the Musical Director for the upcoming season of ‘Wicked’! Performed by the North Shore Music Theatre company, it is on at SkyCity, Auckland for the month of April (30 March – 22 April).

Kaiaua Seaside Market

SUNDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2023

We had beautiful weather and a wonderful view as we played at the Kaiaua Markets.

Senior Social Band

Practices will be starting on Monday 20 February at 1.30pm. Please contact us for more information.

Brits At The Beach, Whangamata

11 FEBRUARY 2023

We had our first performance of 2023 at Brits At The Beach in Whangamata!

Learner’s Group and Junior Band

POSTPONED – Due to the weather and road closures, we have postponed our first lessons until Tuesday 21 February.

These groups will be starting on Tuesday 14 February at 4.15pm and 4.45pm. Please contact us for more information.

2023 Start Date

POSTPONED – Due to the weather and road closures, we have decided to postpone our first practice until next Wednesday 08 February.

Our first band practice for 2023 is on Wednesday 1st February. If you are keen to join us, please contact us, or pop in at 7pm to the Kerepehi Brass Band Hall at 14 Matai Street, Kerepehi.

We will advise the start dates for the Senior Band, Junior Band and Learner’s Group soon.

Thank You Thrifters!

We would like to say a huge thank you to Thrifters Op Shop in Ngatea for their generous donation to our band! This donation meant we could purchase a pair of brand new cymbals for our percussion section. We really appreciate your support! Thank you so much Thrifters!

Carols in Thames

21 DECEMBER 2022

We split into two groups and spent the evening caroling around Thames. We had great fun with the residents of Richmond Villas!

Ngatea Carol Service

18 DECEMBER 2022

We started the service next to the giant crocheted Christmas Tree in Ngatea, and then had to make a quick location change to under the real trees, thanks to the rain that came through! The weather wasn’t going to stop us performing though!

Thames Santa Parade & Whanau Day

17 DECEMBER 2022

We had a great time marching in the Thames Santa Parade and then performed Christmas carols at Thames South School for their Whanau Day.

Carols in Paeroa

15 DECEMBER 2022

We drove all around Paeroa playing Christmas carols.

Waerenga Carol Service

11 DECEMBER 2022

We had a wonderful evening playing carols to the Waerenga community!

Ngatea Christmas In The Park

10 DECEMBER 2022

We were one of many groups performing at Ngatea’s Christmas in the Park held at Hauraki Plains College. The KBB Junior Band performed some of their favourites as well!

Thames Christmas Tree at The Vibe

04 DECEMBER 2022

We had a great time performing at The Vibe, and then continued on to do some caroling around Thames as well!

Paeroa Santa Parade

02 December 2022

We marched for the first time in 20 years today! After the parade finished, we performed at the Paeroa Domain.

Carols in Ngatea

30 NOVEMBER 2022

Thank you Ngatea for your amazing generosity! We had a great time playing around the streets of Ngatea!

Thames Salvation Army Christmas Service

27 NOVEMBER 2022

We kicked off the Christmas season with a service at the Salvation Army Church in Thames this morning.

Band Practice at the Paeroa Band Rotunda

23 NOVEMBER 2022

We had a change of location for band practice tonight – the band rotunda in Paeroa. The sound was amazing!

We Are Now On YouTube!

19 NOVEMBER 2022

Check out all of our social media platforms to see what we are up to!

Click here to go to our Facebook page

Click here to go to our Instagram page

Click here to go to our YouTube channel