Music has the incredible ability to uplift, inspire, and connect us all, transcending boundaries and enriching our lives in countless ways. The Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust (RMTT) utilises the power of music to promote healing and personal growth in those with intellectual, physical, social, and/or mental health challenges. 

Raukatauri’s Registered Music Therapists root their clinical practice in the humanistic model of music therapy, which recognizes each individual's uniqueness and worth. This is why RMTT makes a perfect organisaion for our Good Impressions initiative as a part of our Piki te ora ‘Uplifting our Wellbeing’ category.

RMTT was established in March 2004 to provide music therapy services to individuals with disabilities. Founded by singer Dame Hinewehi Mohi and other New Zealand music industry figures, the Trust is named after Hinewehi’s daughter Hineraukatauri, who has severe cerebral palsy. 

“Hineraukatauri received music therapy during a family visit to London in 1999, and during these sessions was able to move, interact and vocalise in ways never previously thought possible, making her family determined to bring the life-changing benefits of music therapy to New Zealand" comments Jen Glover, Executive and Clinical Director at Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust. 

Music therapy is the planned use of music to assist in the healing and growth of people. An inborn responsiveness to music exists regardless of disability, injury, illness or environment and is not dependent on musical training or background. 

In music therapy sessions, each person actively engages with a Registered Music Therapist through music improvised uniquely with them, as well as through favourite songs and musical activities. Clients interact and communicate with their therapist, expressing their personalities, ideas and emotions in whatever musical way they can – through instruments, voice and movement.

“Some sessions are playful and exuberant, others joyful and dynamic, and some others introspective and thoughtful. All are expressive of the individual, empowered by his or her relationship with the therapist and focused on achieving the goals that have been developed in collaboration with the family." 

RMTT is the only music therapy center in New Zealand, providing a model for music therapy practice and advocacy. All of their therapists have Master’s degrees in music therapy and are registered through Music Therapy New Zealand. Alongside that, Raukatauri staff members are active members of the Music Therapy NZ Council, the Music Therapy NZ Registration Board, and the Scientific Committee of the World Congress for Music Therapy.  

RMTT offers personalised individual therapy sessions, alongside small group sessions. These sessions take place across New Zealand with over 70 outreach partners, allowing people to receive music therapy directly in their classrooms, homes, hospitals, or rehabilitation units. These outreach programs are run in collaboration with organisations such as Starship, Auckland Specialist School, Mason Clinic Regional Forensic Psychiatric Service, Department of Corrections, and The Selwyn Foundation.

Each client’s goals are developed individually and may focus on:

1. improved communication abilities.
2. increased independence, self-confidence, and self-awareness.
3. strengthened interpersonal relationships and reduced isolation.
4. improved attention, learning, and memory.
5. reduced anxiety and improved self-regulation.

This personalised approach to music therapy allows for freedom of expression and growth in their clients, and the results and feedback are proof of this. 

“Family members reported key benefits for their loved ones in relation to improved social functioning (such as attention and empathy, and turn-taking); self-expression for both verbal and non-verbal loved ones; cognitive functioning (such as comprehension, focus and engagement); social connections and relationships; communication skills and speech and language improvement; physical coordination and movement; and overall mental health and wellbeing.”

Go Media is incredibly proud to support such an important and inclusive organisation. Sharing RMTT's messages across our digital network.

As a not-for-profit, an ongoing challenge for the Trust is the lack of direct and consistent Government funding. Due to this, RMTT relies on the generous donations of New Zealanders. Along with donations, their partner organisations help provide fully funded outreach programs through fundraising and grant writing. Raukatauri also funds a subsidy program for low-income whānau which allows them to pay as little as $6 per individual session.

“These initiatives have enabled us to better reach Māori and Pasifika families, and their continuation is essential for us to offer music therapy services for underserved populations," adds Glover. 

RMTT turns 20 next year, Go Media looks forward to celebrating with them in 2024 and continuing our support in the future.

To read more about Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust, and the impact they have, take a look at their amazing case studies here. 

If you are able to donate to support their incredible mahi, please do so here.