*
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    


markham

Results: 2026 Welsh Regional Championships

March 14 • Cory reclaims the Welsh title as Parc & Dare, Markham & District, City of Cardiff (M2) and Gwaun Cae Gurwen claim section honours.


Pendennis

Results: 2026 West of England Regional Championships

March 14 • Lympstone, Lanner & District and Pendennis Brass claim the first day titles of the Torquay weekend


Shine

Ready to shine? NYBBGB offer audition skills workshops

March 14 • There are a trio of FREE audition skills workshops on offer from the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain to help young player's skills sets.


Doodles

Doodles Area boost

March 14 • The expert mouthpiece replating servicer has enjoyed an Area boost — with more to come.


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Queen Victorias Consort

Friday 13 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Slide Effect Trombone Quartet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Welsh Guards Band Septet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 15 • We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester. Following our 4th place at the North West regionals, we are looking for a SOLO CORNET player (position negotiable). We rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 15 • We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester.. . . Following our 4th place at the North West regionals, we are looking for a BBb BASS player.. . . We rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.


Linthwaite Band

March 14 • We are a welcoming 4th section contesting Band with a vacancy for a kit player. Our calendar is filling up with various contests and engagements to fulfil through the year.


David A. Stowell


Conductor and composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd