NZ Music Foundation rebrands to MusicHelps, Lorde on board as patron
Wellbeing charity the New Zealand Music Foundation has rebranded to MusicHelps – and Lorde has come on board as a patron.
Over the last five years, MusicHelp has invested $300k in 66 projects, with 42 partners, using the power of music to change the lives of over 60,000 New Zealanders in need.
The rebrand comes as the name is “more direct, more impactful and speaks to the heart of the not-for-profit’s core purpose.”
MusicHelps, the official charity of the 2018 Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards, also announced Lorde as its latest patron.
She joins founding patron Neil Finn.
The multi-award winning singer-songwriter said, “Since the start of my journey, our local music industry has consistently shown me so much support and compassion, and it’s a privilege to be able to help give back.
“Community care is a huge part of what makes our industry the family that it is and utilising the power of music to help as many people as possible is a mission that speaks to me on many levels. I can’t wait to get started.”
MusicHelps will continue developing and supporting projects that use music to change the lives of those who are at-risk, vulnerable or experiencing serious health challenges.
This can be through options including music therapy for children with developmental conditions or breaking down barriers and reducing isolation for disabled people or providing music-based early intervention for people experiencing mental health issues or using music as a binding force for entire communities in distress.
Peter Dickens, MusicHelps general manager, said: “We’re very excited about our new name and new vibrant identity, and we’re very grateful to Lorde for her involvement and support.
“These changes will make a big difference to our ability to inform the public about the vital work we do and how we help Kiwis nationwide.”
MusicHelps chair of Trustees Campbell Smith adds, “At MusicHelps, we aim to continue this important work to support New Zealanders in need.
“Our ambition is to fund even more programmes and projects throughout Aotearoa that positively change the lives of people through the magic of music.”
Recent work included the development of a music therapy programme for primary schools in Christchurch to help children exhibiting signs of post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of the 2011 Christchurch earthquake.
The charity has also invested heavily in raising awareness of music therapy across the country, making programmes possible for children and adults alike while also using innovative music-based interventions to help at-risk youth.
The charity also provides emergency assistance to NZ music people experiencing hardship and illness through its Backline suite of services, including a world first professional online, on-the-phone and face-to-face counselling service tailored to people who make live and recorded music possible.