A Sistema-inspired charitable trust · Wellington & the Hutt Valley
Creating social change through music
Arohanui Strings+ provides free, high-quality music education across seven communities in Wellington and the Hutt Valley. Tamariki and rangatahi aged 6–16 learn, rehearse and perform together each week in welcoming ensemble programmes, with instruments and afternoon tea provided.
More than music lessons, our programmes are welcoming community spaces where tamariki, rangatahi and whānau can learn, connect and thrive together.
Accessible
Tuition, instruments and afternoon tea are provided free.
Inclusive
No auditions. Welcoming pathways for eligible young people.
Joyful
Music-making that builds confidence, pride and delight.
Co-operative
Learning to listen, lead, support and thrive together.
What we do
More than lessons
Music is the pathway, but the programme reaches far beyond the rehearsal room. Tamariki and rangatahi build confidence, discipline, friendship and pride through regular ensemble learning, guided by professional musicians and held by a team that knows their whānau and communities.
After-school ensembles
The core of our work: weekly after-school community-based sessions give young people a place to learn, lead, listen and belong. Families enquire first so we can place children carefully as spaces become available.
Learn moreIn-school programmes
Eight-week programmes delivered in school classes introduce instruments and musicianship during the school day, connecting tamariki with music in familiar, supportive places while supporting schools with their delivery of the music curriculum.
Learn moreHoliday programmes
Holiday programmes bring together our students from across the region, creating focused time for ensemble playing, sectionals, creativity and performance, with ākonga building momentum between terms.
Learn moreScholarship lessons
Fully funded scholarship lessons support committed young musicians to deepen technique, prepare for opportunities and keep progressing without cost to whānau.
Learn moreArohanui Strings+ uses the pursuit of musical excellence and ensemble performance to bring about positive change in the lives of children. We prioritise high-quality music learning because the strongest social outcomes come from access to excellence.
Our mission
The crescendo
Independent evaluations of Sistema programmes — from Sistema Aotearoa in Auckland to Sistema Scotland's Big Noise — show what families here see every week: growing confidence, stronger school engagement, and a deep sense of belonging. Read about the Sistema model.
Our community hubs
Free tuition runs every week across Wellington and the Hutt Valley — in the communities where it makes the biggest difference.
Moera
Lower Hutt
Taitā/Pomare
Lower Hutt
Wainuiomata
Lower Hutt
Stokes Valley
Lower Hutt
Miramar / Strathmore Park
Wellington
Newtown
Wellington
Mt Cook
Wellington
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Watch
See the programme in motion
Voices
The heart of everything we do.
"The violin is his relaxing zone. It's the one time he can switch off from pressures and just enjoy."
Parent of Arohanui Strings+ scholarship student, age 13
Through ensemble music-making, participants develop confidence, resilience, teamwork and a sense of belonging.
Arohanui Strings+ impact
Families build stronger community connections, siblings become inspired, and performances create moments of pride.
Across our communities
Our sponsors
Arohanui Strings+ funders 2026
We are grateful to the organisations, trusts and generous supporters who help keep our programmes free for young people and whānau.
The Arohanui Strings+ Supporters Ensemble collectively raised nearly $53,000 towards our programmes in 2025. Learn more about becoming a supporter.
Keep the music free.
Every lesson, every instrument and every concert is free for the children who take part. Our work relies entirely on donations from people like you.
Donations of $5 or more are eligible for a 33% donation tax credit.
For families
No auditions. All are welcome.
Anyone who is eligible under our 2026 Admissions Policy is welcome, subject to space availability. If a school or community partner has pointed you our way, register your interest here and a member of our team will be in touch. Read our Admissions Policy.
