Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust, Hawke’s Bay

Raukatauri was established in Auckland in 2004 by singer Dame Hinewehi Mohi and named for her daughter Hineraukatauri who was born with cerebral palsy and is unable to speak.  Having taken her daughter to music therapy in the UK and seen first-hand how Hineraukatauri was able to express herself through music, Dame Mohi was inspired to bring music therapy to Aotearoa New Zealand.   Raukatauri’s mission is to offer a quality, accessible music therapy service to all people, whatever their needs.

Upon moving to Hawkes Bay in 2017, Dame Mohi realised how difficult it can be for those living in regional New Zealand to access specialist services. The Hawkes Bay Centre became Raukatauri’s first regional centre in April 2018 and currently operates out of Tamatea High School with one Registered Music Therapist, Ella Polczyk-Przybyla. A second full-time Registered Music Therapist will be starting in January 2023, fantastic news for Hawke’s Bay as Ella has a full client list of approximately 60 people with ages ranging from three to 62 years and an ever-growing waiting list. The new therapist will have to hit the ground running to keep up with the demand, such is the success of this wonderful programme.

Listening to Ella talk so passionately about what music therapy offers, it’s hard not to be moved by the amazing work this organisation and its therapists are accomplishing in our region. The benefits of this programme are not only evident in their clients, but also in the positive impacts for their whānau and the wider communities.

This grant aligns with People living with diverse abilities, Tamariki and Rangatahi and Equity Pou.