*
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    


Besson

4BR Christmas Quiz

December 26 • How good is your brass band knowledge? Good enough to win a cornet and goodies for a young player?


Special Award

2025 4BR Special Award: Richard Marshall

December 25 • One of the finest cornet players of this or any other brass band generation is the recipient of the 4BR Special Award.


Band of the Year

2025 4BR Band of the Year

December 25 • One band once again stamped its class and authority on the banding world this year — with the promise of even more to come in 2026.


Conductor

2025 4BR Conductor of the Year

December 25 • One conductor stood out on the podium from their counterparts this year.


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 6 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF12 0JZ


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Haverhill Silver Band - Family Christmas Concert

Sunday 7 December • Castle Manor Academy, Haverhill CB9 9JE


Petworth Town Band - PetworthTown Band Christmas Concert

Saturday 13 December • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Crewe Brass

December 22 • Crewe Brass are looking for PERCUSSION (TUNED and KIT) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

December 22 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb BASS player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

December 22 • Crewe Brass are looking for a Eb BASS player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Howard J Evans

MA (Dist), Mus.B (hons), ARCM (hons), LRAM, LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, composer, arranger, tutor and pianist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd