IKUNA YOUTH BAND: PAVING PATHWAYS THROUGH MUSIC

Local brothers Semisi and Viliami founded the Ikuna Tongan Brass Band to give youth a positive space to grow through music and serve their communities. Celebrating their Tongan and Christian heritage was a bonus.

Thanks to the generous support of the Community Liaison Committee grant, the band was able to purchase seven new instruments for young members. The funds also provided financial relief for families by keeping participation costs down. The new instruments reduced the need for sharing and seven young and excited musicians were happy to receive two new baritones, four tenor horns, and one high-end cornet.  

Semisi says, “Their excitement when they picked up their new instruments was unforgettable. The grant has helped us ensure more youth can participate fully, improve the overall quality of our sound by retiring older equipment, keep fees low for families, and more than anything, the grant has reminded our young people that their talents matter and that their community believes in them.” 

The additions have already made a real impact by opening more doors for the band to perform at events, lifting the standard of sound at their concerts, and improving overall sound quality, most recently as part of the annual Santa Parade on Queen Street in Auckland.  

“After just two months of focused practice, they were already confident enough to perform at other public events like the Auckland Brass Contest -which was a huge milestone for the entire band. Without that support, many of our young people simply wouldn’t have access to this opportunity. We are deeply grateful.” 

The band play at a wide range of events throughout the year which include ANZAC Day parades in Panmure, funeral commemorations, church and faith-based services, and cultural festivals. They have also performed at major sports and stadium events such as MMT (Mate Ma’a Tonga), Moana Pasifika, Counties Manukau rugby matches, and more notably, a key movie feature in the popular Red, White & Brass film. 

The brothers find joy mentoring young people to discover their God-given gifts to grow in confidence through music. Seeing shy children lift their heads for their first solo performance on stage, and watching families gather to support their children with pride.  

Semisi says, “Keeping rangatahi engaged through music is the greatest reward of all. Although we’ve performed on big stages and marched down iconic streets, our greatest achievement isn’t a single event. It’s what happens every Friday night when our kids show up ready to learn, ready to goow, ready to be together.  

Watching them progress from shy beginners to confident musicians and leaders is the highlight we celebrate year after year. The safe, positive space we create for them is the true success story of Ikuna.” 

Nearly three decades since they first came together, the heart of Ikuna remains the same: faith, music and service. Many band members call Tāmaki home as they live, study and worship in Glen Innes, Panmure and the surrounding suburbs of East Auckland. 

“This area holds a special place in our story. It’s where we rehearse, mentor our rangatahi, and continue to build a strong, vibrant musical community. It’s really important to us that we preserve Tongan brass and Pacific music traditions, while broadening exposure to diverse genres. We have a clear vision for the years ahead. We want to improve access to quality instruments and tutors, so no one is turned away because of cost. We aim to strengthen pathways from beginner to advanced, so young people can progress from Junior Band or Strings right through to leadership or even professional study.  We want to deepen our roots in Tāmaki, build stronger partnerships with local schools, churches and community groups. Our main priority is keeping Ikuna a safe and inspiring space where youth feel they belong, are proud of their culture and are equipped to continue serving the community.”