*
banner

Two killed as brass band involved in NZ accident

Two members of the Mailefihi Siu'ilikutapu College Brass Band from Tonga have been killed in a bus crash in New Zealand.

Tongan brass band
  Tow members of the Mailefihi Siu'ilikutapu College Brass Band were killed in the accident

It has been reported from New Zealand that two members of a Tongan brass band have been killed in a bus crash near the town of Gisborne in the north eastern part of the country.

Two deaths

The fatal accident occurred as the Mailefihi Siu'ilikutapu College Brass Band was on its way to perform a Christmas Day service at the city's Wesleyan Methodist Church.

Sione Taumololo, aged 11, and Talita Fifita, aged 33, died, with several others having to receive hospital treatment.

Despite the horrific accident, a few days later the band played in a concert held at the House of Breakthrough Church in Gisborne, with around $25,000 being raised. Further donations have raised more than $37,000.

Further details

Further details can be found at:

https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/video-bus-crash-survivors-perform-tribute-concert-nation-rallies-victims-families-school

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


bic

Make sure you book your best BIC seat in the house

November 11 • Your really don't want to miss out on the entertainment at Brass in Concert this year — even if you can't make it to Gateshead.


Peter Moore

Moore on Radio 3

November 11 • The acclaimed soloist can be heard performing Dani Howard's 'Trombone Concerto' on Radio 3 next week.


Youth Championships

Limited places remain for Youth Champs 2026

November 11 • There are not many places left to be filled for the 2026 National Youth Championships — so you had better be quick if you want to be a part of a great day of music making.


Perth Concert Hall

Big turn out for Scottish battles in Perth

November 11 • There will be domestic as well as cross border rivalry on show in Perth later this month for the Band Supplies Scottish Challenge, Besson Scottish Open and Creative Scotland Scottish Youth Championships.


Regent Hall Concerts - Five By 5 Trumpet Ensemble

Friday 14 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Contest: 48th Brass in Concert

Saturday 15 November • The Gladhous International Centre for Music, St Mary's Square, Gateshead NE8 2JR


Delph Band - Delph Youth Band

Sunday 16 November • Denshaw Village Hall, . Ripponden Rd, . Denshaw, . Oldham OL3 5SY


Regent Hall Concerts - Trombonanza with Brett Baker and Friends

Saturday 22 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Dobross Youth Band and Dobcross Brass Monkeys

Saturday 22 November • Civic Hall . Lee Street . Uppermill . Saddleworth OL3 6AE


Summerbridge & Dacre Silver Band

November 11 • Urgent:- Confident Solo Horn required to lead our horn section for our Christmas Concert and beyond. In the new year will be doing a joint concert with Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band, and other concerts throughout the year.


Audley Brass

November 10 • Audley Brass (First Section National Finalists 2025) are seeking an Eb BASS PLAYER as we work towards our Dickens A Christmas Carol theme concert, the Beartown Brewery Christmas party and the 2026 Area contest.


Tintwistle Band

November 9 • Attention soprano cornet players!. Tintwistle band (famed for the number 1 hit single Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs!) are looking for a soprano cornet player!. We are 2nd section, enjoy all year round concerts/contests, and band social events.


Prof. Christopher Houlding

MMus, GGSM, LRAM
Conductor, Performer, Educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd