Recap of 2025, What's on 2026 & Important information:
- Southern Music Admin
- Dec 11, 2025
- 6 min read
As we wrap up another wonderful year, we want to take a moment to reflect on our achievements, challenges and milestones. Everyone we have worked with has been at the heart of everything we have accomplished, and we couldn't be more grateful. As the holiday season approaches, we wish you all a safe, festive and truly memorable time with loved ones. Here's to recharging, celebrating and looking forward to the year ahead.
2025 at a glance
What a Year It’s Been!
In 2025, we proudly delivered over 5,800 appointments and welcomed over 80 new clients and organisations into our community. We kicked off the year with fresh energy as 3 new students joined our team who have since handed in their thesis, marking an exciting chapter in their professional journeys.
Throughout the year, we introduced new groups, presented at and attended annual events, and built new partnerships with organisations such as the Cancer Society, Burnside Highschool, Burwood Academy, Burlington Rest Home, Lemonwood Grove School, La Vida Councelling, 701 Begin Again Coucelling & Access to name a few. We celebrated Music Therapy Week, hosted our much-loved annual concert (keep an eye out for 2026 dates!), and achieved so much together. Thank you for being part of this incredible year!
Spotlight on Cancer Society Pilot Program
2025 saw a new chapter for those living with Cancer. In collaboration with Southern Cancer Society, and the generosity of Music Helps & Music Therapy New Zealand funding.
Our Senior Registered Music Therapist May Clulee facilitated a number of group & individual sessions across Canterbury in a pilot program. We had great feedback from those attending & are excited for what 2026 may bring.
" Not sure what I was expecting but it was one of the most uplifting music experiences I have had in a very long time. May is so talented, and patient and I found it a great collaborative experience. I will take this opportunity to say 'Thank you'"
If you are interested in 2026, contact Southern Cancer Society directly to find out more.
Seven Sharp appearance - Highlight of 2025!
This year we even made it into spotlight media - appearing on Seven Sharp.
For younger people, stroke recovery is often isolating. Rehab can feel lonely, adding to the challenges of rebuilding life. Music changes this - it motivates movement, strengthens communication, and fosters joy & connection.
Give-a-little
Support the Younger Persons Stroke Music Therapy Group.
You can see the impact of this work in the recent Seven Sharp feature. A wonderful glimpse into how music therapy can change lives.
Spotlight on SMT Concert - The Sound of US!
Each year, we have the privilege to provide a stage for our clients to shine in front of their whānau, friends, and support network. This year, we focused on 'The Sound of Us' where our clients' performances were more personal, including a few groups who sang and played instruments; a couple of individuals shared covers of their favorite songs including Ed Sheeran, ABBA & Billy Joel, and a few original compositions & medleys. Each individual performer has their own unique story, this includes those living with brain injuries, blindness, intellectual disabilities, neurodegenerative conditions, mental health conditions, and in stroke rehabilitation, reflecting a cross-section of SMT clients.
Keep an eye on our News & Events page www.smt.nz/newsandevents for our 2026 concert!
50% off discount- January special for new clients!
Discover a new path to wellbeing
We are offering 50% off initial sessions for all new clients. Our initial session is a one-off consultation – perfect if you’ve ever wanted to explore the benefits of music therapy.
Booked & attended between the 19th & 30th of January 2026.
$80+gst (normally $160+gst) - that's 50% off!
Spaces are limited, please complete a referral form via our website www.smt.nz/referral-form to secure your spot!
Gift Vouchers available
Give more than a gift this Christmas or anytime of the year, instead give a meaningful experience with a music therapy voucher!
Music therapy promotes relaxation, brings connection & sparks creativity.
Email us today info@smt.nz to find out more.
From our whānau to yours, we wish you all a very festive & memorable holiday season. Our team will be taking a well-deserved break over the festive period.
SMT Closure:
5pm Friday 19th December 2025
to
9am Wednesday 14th January 2026
Clinical sessions will resume:
From Monday 19th January 2026
(Some sessions may commence earlier, your therapist will be in contact to confirm).
What's on 2026?
Term Dates 2026:
Term 1 (11 weeks) - 19th January - 2nd April 2026
Term 2 (12 weeks) - 13th April - 3rd July 2026
Term 3 (11 weeks) - 13th July - 25th September 2026
Term 4 (11.5 weeks) - 5th October - 23rd December 2026
Southern Music Therapy is closed all public holidays, if your session is on a public holiday, your therapist will confirm this with you.
School Holiday Programs - register your interest School Holiday Programs 2026.
Groups:
All ages are approximate.
Beat Buddies - 5 - 8 years
Groove Crew - 9 - 12 years
Youth Rhythms - 13 - 18 years
Dates:
Day: Tuesday after 2pm
Location: Papanui
20th January 2026
14th April 2026
14th July 2026
6th October 2026
Our school holiday programs are designed to provide children and teens a safe, inviting & interactive environment to express themselves through music making.
Halswell Groups - New group time added!
Group options:
1pm - 2pm - this group is currently full.
2.15pm - 3.15pm - new group time!
If you are interested in joining our Halswell Group, please see the following options:
Current clients - please talk to your therapist if you are interested in joining the new group.
New clients - please complete a referral form via our website www.smt.nz/referral-form and note Halswell Group in the additional information.
If you have any questions, please email us at info@smt.nz.
Music Roots at Braintree Wellness Centre 2026
Next year we have an exciting new collaboration with Braintree Wellness Centre - Rhythms of Well-being is a welcoming community music therapy group for older adults, designed to foster connection, creativity, well-being through shared musical experiences.
Join us for singing, songwriting, improvisation & instrument playing - you do not need to have had any musical experience.
Keep an eye on our socials for dates!
Contact us via email info@smt.nz if you are interested or next time you are in Braintree, put your name down at reception.
Music to Movement group
In collaboration with CSO & MS&P - Starts in January 2026!
If you are interested in finding out more, please contact Lauren Flook lauren.flook@mspc.org.nz
Funding
This year, we have worked tirelessly to advocate, educate, and collaborate with organisations and funding bodies throughout New Zealand to highlight the life-changing benefits of Music Therapy. Our goal has been to ensure that more clients can access this essential service through funded support.
This work has been particularly challenging in the current economic climate, but we remain committed to promoting the value of Music Therapy and securing funding for those who need it most. We maintain strong relationships with a wide range of funding providers and continue to engage in conversations that make Music Therapy accessible.
We also strive to deliver a high-quality, sustainable service, ensuring our skilled team can feel secure in their roles. This stability is vital for maintaining excellence in care and supporting the long-term success of our practice.
We encourage you to discuss funding options with your case managers or support providers, as many organizations now recognize and support Music Therapy as part of client care.
Below is a list of funding bodies that currently support clients receiving Music Therapy through our services.
ACC - Training for Independence
ACC - Sensitive Claims
Enabling Good Lives (EGL)
Florence Nightingale
Manawanui
Carer Support & Respite Funding
Oranga Tamiriki (OT)
Ministry of Education (MoE)
ORS Funding
High Complex Needs (HCN)
NZCL
If you would like to find out more, please contact us info@smt.nz to see if we work with your support provider.
Do you follow us on social media?
Help us by sharing the links, help spread the word.
We share lots of exciting news weekly, please follow, like & share!
Facebook - www.facebook.com/southernmusictherapy
Instagram - www.instagram.com/southernmusictherapy
Referral Form
Do you or do you know someone that would benefit from Music Therapy? If so, we welcome you to complete our referral form to secure your space in 2026. You will be added to our waitlist and contacted when a suitable time becomes available.
Thank you for reading our newsletter, please share this with your wider community, just another way to support Southern Music Therapy!
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