Mō te tūranga

About the role

Specialisations

Education & Support roles | Hospitality
Entry type

General entry
Under training

$68,103
Location

Burnham

The primary role of the New Zealand Army Band is to perform at military and state occasions and fulfil its role as the New Zealand Army's foremost public relations unit.

Through its superb musicianship the band encapsulates the high professional standards of the Army in every aspect of its performances. Internationally, the New Zealand Army Band has gained recognition as one of the finest marching bands in the world.

To be a successful applicant, you will need to undertake an audition and display a professional level of musical expertise.

Requirements

Basics

Must be 18 years old by the time you graduate from recruit course.
Eligible to meet national security clearance criteria, as stipulated by the Government's Protective Security Requirements.
You should have previous musical experience. You will need to pass an interview and an audition.

Education

You must have achieved the NCEA level 1 Literacy and Numeracy requirements. Proficiency with instruments is the main criteria. A tertiary qualification is desirable.

Find out more about the NCEA levels and certificate requirements

Fitness & Medical

Citizenship

There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the required CV security clearance for this trade.
Find out if you’re eligible here.

Period of Service

There may be a return of service period for this trade.

Please contact our 0800 number or talk to your Candidate Experience Facilitator for more information.

We offer guidance on entry requirements in our eligibility section. Apply if you're uncertain, as we’ll work through the criteria with you to determine if you can proceed.

Job on base

The band is a brass band supplemented with a rhythm section, which adds to its versatility. Within the band there are many different groups, including:
SWING BAND Performing Big Band charts ranging from Glen Miller to modern jazz.
BRASS BAND Performing diverse styles of music scored for brass bands.
MARCHING BAND Playing for military occasions and performing marching displays for various events.
DANCE BAND Performing a wide range of music, from classic rock to the latest hits.
BRASS QUINTET Performing a wide variety of styles from classical to jazz.
Job on deployment

International performances will bring opportunities to travel to other countries. In the past the band has travelled to England, Scotland, France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Korea, China and the United States of America.

Career progression and training

01Basic Training

Basic Training

Successful applicants enlist directly into the New Zealand Army Band without undertaking the standard Basic Military Training Course, however recruits are required to pass military training modules as part of their career.

02Job Training

Job Training

Training within the New Zealand Army Band commences with an Induction Course upon your arrival to the unit, run by the School of Music in Burnham Camp (near Christchurch). This course will assist you in gaining the required knowledge about the New Zealand Army, and the New Zealand Army Band, to successfully complete daily tasks.

03Ongoing Training

Ongoing Training

On completion of the induction course, the New Zealand Army Band School of Music will assist you in gaining qualifications in theory and practical examinations with the Associated Board of Royal Schools of Music London and Trinity College of London.

Personnel have the opportunity to advance through these theory and practical examinations up to, and including, diploma level. These qualifications will enhance your career progression and provide musical qualifications recognised worldwide.

This training is undertaken during the normal daily routine of the New Zealand Army Band.

04Career Progression

Career Progression

You will be required to have attained a professional level of musical expertise prior to recruitment. Once you arrive your musical talent will be nurtured and developed to the highest levels.

You will also learn a wide range of additional related skills including musical theory, sound engineering, communication and information technology, music arranging and composition, marketing, teaching and conducting. This provides variety and challenge throughout your career.

As your career progresses you will attend courses that assist with advancement and promotion. These army courses are held at various Army camps around the country.

Benefits & allowances

Earn a competitive salary while training or learning your trade, along with additional allowances for time spent in the field, at sea, overseas, or deployed on operations.

In addition to salary and allowances, other benefits of joining the New Zealand Defence Force include:

Access to your Service marae or tūrangawaewae
Sponsored tertiary study programmes at all levels
Free access to gyms and swimming pools on camp and bases
Opportunities to travel
Free and subsidised medical and dental care
Subsidised food and accommodation on camps and bases
Free and subsidised insurance cover
Help to buy a home and save for retirement

Salary & benefits

Careers in the Army are well-rewarded, diverse and exciting. As you become more experienced and move up through the ranks, gaining additional skills and qualifications, your salary will rise accordingly.