Robert studied at Victoria University, the University of Auckland and Queensland Conservatory of Music. Recent collaborations include An Evening with Simon O’Neill, NZ’s own international Wagnerian star, Kiri and Friends (training the chorus for a concert at Vector Arena as part of the Rugby World Cup, 2011 festival featuring Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra); celebrated New Zealand artist Michael Parekowhai, on the launch of his entry for the Venice Art Biennale, On First Looking Into Chapman’s Homer; The Island Chai concert series with Aivale Cole, Benjamin Makisi, Anna Pierard and Phil Rhodes at the Auckland Museum, a concert for the union heads of the Rugby World Cup, 2011. He was artistic director of the V8 Vocal Ensemble, training the group for two performances of Berio’s Sinfonia with James Judd and the NZSO. Robert was formerly conductor of the New Zealand Secondary Students’ Choir and voice clinician for the New Zealand Youth Choir and VOICES New Zealand Chamber Choir.

Nick Tipping is a broadcaster, musician, and jazz specialist based in Wellington. He holds a PhD in Musicology, focusing on the New Zealand jazz scene, and has performed extensively as a bassist with ensembles ranging from the NZSO and The Kugels to The Jac and the Rodger Fox Big Band. A three-time winner of the Best Jazz Artist award at the Aotearoa Music Awards, Nick also has a lifelong passion for choral music, having grown up in a family of choral musicians and performed in choirs from an early age. He is passionate about music education and outreach. Since 2018, Nick has been the daytime host on RNZ Concert, where he champions New Zealand music.

As an occupational therapist for over 30 years, Emma has been privileged to walk alongside many rangatahi in their rehabilitation from serious injuries as well as in her work in the education system (primary, secondary, and tertiary). This has included considerable focus on overall wellbeing and mental health. Emma currently operates her private practice in Whangārei where she lives with her husband and one teenager, the other two having flown the nest.
A classically trained singer passionate about music, Emma is one of Whangārei’s established soloists, sings with Opera North, and has performed in many concerts, musical theatre shows, and recitals. Emma has had the priviledge of learning from some of Aotearoa’s finest and relishes continuing to learn. Combining her passion for music and her considerable professional skills, Emma has found herself well suited to the role of Student Welfare Manager for the NZSSC.

TRUSTEE SINCE 2024

Gina Rogers is a Communications Executive based in Wellington. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music and English and Bachelor of Broadcasting Communications in Journalism. Gina worked as a programme editor and journalist for IRN, TVNZ and RNZ in New Zealand and CNBC Europe and BBC World in the UK. She has since managed communications for NZ On Air and the New Zealand Film Commission and is General Manager Communications at IHC New Zealand. She is a Member of the Institute of Directors New Zealand and enjoys music and the arts.

(Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Hine)

Trustee since 2023

Bianca is a qualified optometrist and choral singer based in Auckland. She holds a Bachelor of Optometry with First Class Honours from The University of Auckland, graduating as a Senior Scholar with a Dean’s Medal. Bianca is also undertaking further study in te reo Māori.

Bianca was a long term member of the New Zealand Youth Choir and currently sings with Voices New Zealand and the Auckland Chamber Choir.

Tahlia is a composer from Te Whanganui a Tara Wellington. She holds a Bachelor of Music in instrumental/vocal composition, and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Practice,  where she specialised in film scoring. Tahlia has worked on local projects such as BBC’s The Luminaries, Blue Moon, Loading Docs He Hekenga Tuhura and Haka Haha, and the  TVNZ short series Little Apocalypse. Tahlia joined Choirs Aotearoa NZ in 2023 as Assistant Producer to all four choirs. In her spare time, she writes her own music and sings in various vocal groups.