Kahutara Municipal Brass Band


Kahutara Municipal Brass Band is a jazz/ funk collective with roots in the Wairarapa.

Since making their debut at the 2017 Martinborough Jazz Festival, the band have completed a residency at Micro Winebar, performed at events such as the Clareville and Masterton A & P Shows, and played several gigs at this year’s Wellington Jazz Festival.

The Kahutara Municipal Brass Band are:

  • Courtney Naera– Courtney is a popular Carterton singer, who keeps busy playing in bars and restaurants locally, and throughout the Lower North Island. She teaches in several Wairarapa schools, and is a former UCOL music tutor. 

  • Leonardo Coghini– Leo is a sought-after Wellington musician; recent work includes tours with pop singer Mitch James and the NZ Air Force Band. 

  • Alex Nyman – Before playing on five seasons of Dancing With The Stars NZ, Alex shared the stage with pop icons such as Chaka Khan and Frank Sinatra. These days he lives in Greytown and teaches saxophone at the New Zealand School of Music.

  • Saali Mark s– A graduate of the NZSM, Saali is currently Head of Music at Kuranui College. He leads his own band Battle Ska Galactica who perform regularly around the country.

  • Pat Bleakley– A regular on the Wellington scene, Pat is based in Featherston and is perhaps best known for his ongoing work with well-known drummer John Rae’s group, The Troubles.

  • Callum Riach– Callum is a current NZSM student with classical experience in National Youth and Secondary School Brass Bands. He began playing drums while growing up in Masterton.