Music Mahi Panel
Joel is an entertainment lawyer at Dominion Law. His specialty lies in the music industry, and his practice includes a strong focus on contractual issues surrounding music rights, publishing, licensing, producer deals, management agreements, and recording contracts. When not advising clients, Joel (under ‘choicevaughan’) is an award-winning, self-managed artist/music producer and composer.
Multi-instrumentalist Tiare Kelly began touring internationally at just 18, performing with acclaimed artists including Benee, Neil Finn, Erny Belle, and Dunedin’s Marlins Dreaming. She performed at Coachella in 2023 and later toured as support for Olivia Rodrigo in 2024. Since then, she has worked as a sound engineer at Roundhead Studios while also composing for film and television.
Zac Arnold is a musician and label founder based in Tāmaki Makaurau. In 2019, he founded Sunreturn, an independent record label dedicated to championing artists who find freedom in imagining new sounds. Zac is currently the Creative Director of NakedPR, and has previously worked with Flying Out, RNZ, 95bFM, and the Auckland Radio Trust. He has also served on the board of Independent Music New Zealand and contributes to the growth advocacy of independent music in Aotearoa.
Shaquille Wasasala (HALFQUEEN), is an unapologetic and empowering presence in every space. Uncompromised vision, connection and care underpin her work as a DJ, event producer and curator; she also co-runs DIY QTBIPOC club night FILTH with JessB. Her focus is creating environments where the exchange between the audience and artist is potent, with a higher purpose of decolonising the dancefloor, uplifting marginalised communities worldwide, and highlighting the importance of the Rave in the revolution.
Theia makes trailblazing alternative music with ethereal folk; indigenous soul and art rock influences. She is known for her fearless and formidable anthems, which challenge social injustices, and her captivating performances.
Theia's debut album GIRL, IN A SAVAGE WORLD was released on November 7 to critical acclaim; debuting at #11 in the Official Aotearoa Top 20 Album chart.
Edy (AKA EDYONTHEBEAT) is a music producer, mix engineer, artist manager and content creator based in Tāmaki Makaurau. With over 160 million global streams and close to 500 credits across his portfolio including Josh Tatofi, Myshaan, and Janine to name a few, Edy has cemented himself as one of NZ’s most active music creatives.
Nicole Thomas is an award-winning music manager and the co-owner of NicNak Media, based in Auckland. She has 25 years+ experience in the entertainment industries across Australia and NZ and sits on the board of the NZ Music Commission.
Audrey is an artist manager, specialising in Hip-Hop, Roots, Soul and alternative cross-genre formats. Her current roster includes Christoph El Truento, Mokomokai, NOE and Ladi6. With over a decade of experience as a Tour Manager and Promoter Representative, and a background in marketing and branding - she has strong insight into the music landscape. Audrey is also the Director of Midnight Swan, a boutique record label that operates as a Project Manager and Label Partner on independent albums.
Zara Nichol entered the music industry creating content for Universal Music New Zealand promoting international and local artists. She joined Recorded Music NZ through the NZ Music Commission Internship Programme in 2024 and has subsequently been hired to work across the business, supporting with systems change, communications and content creation for the Aotearoa Music Awards and the Official Charts as well as leading RMNZ’s Rautaki Māori strategy. Zara is also a board intern at the NZMC.
Nicholas Lindstrom works at the New Zealand Music Commission supporting the Education Manager and booking mentors for the Musicians Mentoring In Schools Programme. He also works at independent record store Flying Out, hosts the weekly radio show Friday Drive on 95bFM, and is a freelance music journalist with recent pieces published in MixMag and 95bFM. He hails from Te Whanganui-a-Tara and Mozambique.
Patrick Hickley is a graphic designer and musician based in Tāmaki Makaurau, originally from Ōtepoti. He currently works as a Senior Designer at Motion Sickness, where his work has picked up several awards. Alongside his design career, he plays in Soft Bait, who have released two albums (including their latest on Flying Nun). He has also played in bands Taking The Fall and Red Sky Blues.
Gig Starters Panel
Since founding one of the country’s biggest booking agencies & event/site management companies (Twice The Hype) alongside business partner Fenella Stratton in 2012, Jaz now works primarily in event production and site delivery, ensuring local (eg Six60, L.A.B.) and international (Coldplay, Pink, Ed Sheeran, Harry Styles, Red Hot Chilli Peppers) events across New Zealand run smoothly.
Savina Fountain is the general manager at BIG FAN, a charitable trust that runs a live music venue and recording studios in Morningside, Auckland. She is also the founder of IGNITE; a free 8-week industry specific training programme for rangtahi passionate about music and events.
At just 18, Rockquest winner Emerson is one of Aotearoa’s freshest alt-pop voices. Since launching her solo project in late 2024, seven of her ten releases have landed on the Aotearoa Hot 20 Singles Chart, alongside international editorial playlist support. In 2025, she completed two national support tours, performed at Rhythm & Vines, and key industry showcases including Going Global. Emerson is also a sought-after collaborator, writing and toplining with artists including Frankie Venter, Teo Glacier, Ladyhawke, and Gin Wigmore.
Sam Ashton ‘Smashton’ is a bass player, content creator and radio host from Tāmaki Makaurau. He is a founding member of Late to Chelsea, and also acts as the band’s booking manager. He has been a host at 95bFM hosting graveyard shows, Top Ten, and currently Tuesday Drive. Sam has a following of 490k on TikTok for his bass covers and gear demos.
Jazmine Mary is a Noir Folk Artist based in New Zealand. Their debut album ‘The Licking of a Tangerine’ was widely loved and received the Best Independent Debut Award at the Taite Music Prize in 2021. Jazmine also works closely with the New Zealand Music Commission as a mentor for the Musicians Mentoring In Schools Programme.