Kotuku Music Academy Support Trust
Kotuku’s founding vision is to empower New Zealand children to become confident, inclusive leaders through the medium of the performing arts; embracing our rich cultural diversity; becoming a voice of hope for our collective future.
The lives of Kotuku children reflect authentic vision:
"Kotuku has changed my life. I am free from my addictions, now able to work and mentor others”. |
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The Foundation of Kotuku’s Programme: Values and Legacy
Kotuku integrates and unites children, youth, and families from hugely diverse social and economic backgrounds. By recognising, advocating for, and celebrating every child’s unique cultural and individual identity, kotahitanga (unity) is fostered. Many students are emergent leaders when they come to Kotuku, others have lives defined by trauma, or by neurological diversity and begin to heal in a place of inclusivity, sustained growth and safety for all children, whatever their background.
The key values of respect, humility, courage, excellence, gratitude, dedication, empathy, and professionalism are consistently upheld by music directors, performers, leaders, staff, and volunteers, shaping the choir’s culture.
The key values of respect, humility, courage, excellence, gratitude, dedication, empathy, and professionalism are consistently upheld by music directors, performers, leaders, staff, and volunteers, shaping the choir’s culture.
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Titus Alapati, one of kotuku's foundation choir members, found that courage and wrote it into his song.
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Kotuku’s programme utilises vocal, drama and dance training alongside supervised, tailored team building workshops, camps and cultural exchanges to mentor our children into safe passage through to young adulthood. Diversity is celebrated as our greatest strength; supported by exchange programmes, tours, hosting networks and partnerships with schools, communities and cultural organisations via workshops, recordings and public events.
The choir / performing troupe exemplifies Kotuku's vision through international engagements, such as the 2007 USA and UK collaborative tour; performing a diverse mix of languages, songs, dances, multimedia works, and global repertoire, fostering unity and inspiration among members and audiences.
The choir / performing troupe exemplifies Kotuku's vision through international engagements, such as the 2007 USA and UK collaborative tour; performing a diverse mix of languages, songs, dances, multimedia works, and global repertoire, fostering unity and inspiration among members and audiences.
A rich history of Significance:
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“Kotuku choir's empathetic approach sets it apart. Its history is defined not only by awards and international partnerships; but by meaningful impacts on its young graduates. The experiences of former members inspire new participants to become more than they believed possible.”
“Kotuku is not like other choirs. it is unique – the words of the songs reach out to those going through depression, loss in family, or someone who needs encouragement" “Big time changes have occurred since joining Kotuku. I was a gang leader at 12 years of age, heavily addicted to drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes, expelled from college and facing prison sentencing. During the past months I've worked with Sharon and the choir, it has given me an identity and the sense of belonging to a group with heart and purpose.” |
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