Music therapy centre welcomes new superstar patron

SUPERSTAR PATRON: International singing sensation Hayley Westenra (right) is a new patron of the Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre in Auckland. She is pictured with fellow patron Boh Runga (left) and centre co-founder Hinewehi Mohi during a visit to check out the centre's facilities last weekend.
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August 16, 2005

Music therapy centre welcomes superstar as new patron

New Zealand’s only dedicated music therapy centre is absolutely delighted to announce Hayley Westenra is providing her considerable support as a patron.

Auckland’s Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre had its first birthday on March 18, 2005 and has been an outstanding success currently treating 25 children from as far away as Warkworth.

The Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre helps build bridges of communication with sick and physically and intellectually disabled children and is based on the Nordoff-Robbins approach which emphasises improvisation and other creative techniques.

Hayley Westenra was attracted to the Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre after learning about the work of the Nordoff Robbins Centre in England.

The centre has been so successful and the demand for places so great, that is has moved to new, bigger premises and is currently in the process of hiring a second therapist.

About the Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre

Music therapy helps build bridges of communication with sick and physically and intellectually disabled children, assisting them to develop new skills and reducing their sense of isolation.

Work at the Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre is based on the internationally-acclaimed Nordoff-Robbins approach emphasising improvisation and other creative techniques.

Located in the inner Auckland suburb of Newton, the centre is the brainchild of a dedicated group of local music industry people, including Hinewehi Mohi and Boh Runga.

The centre has received funding and support from a number of organisations including the Lion Foundation, music industry groups RIANZ and APRA, the New Zealand Centre for Music Therapy and numerous private donations.

ENDS

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