Job Description
Mō te tūnga | About the role
The Director of Music is responsible for providing and managing all aspects of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Band. Based in central Wellington, the RNZAF Band is the largest professional symphonic band in the country, made up of reservist musicians who are some of the leading professional freelance performers in the Wellington region. The RNZAF Band also has within it a number of smaller chamber, jazz, and pop music ensembles.
As Director of Music, you will:
Be responsible for delivering all musical outputs for the RNZAF Band – this includes concerts, regional tours, ceremonial events for the NZDF and government, functions, educational and community activities, and recording sessions
Conduct the RNZAF Band in rehearsals and performances
Carry out artistic planning for the band
Be responsible for policy and administration of the unit, along with personnel management
Alongside the 65 reservist musicians, two fulltime military personnel and one civilian provide the coordination and management of the unit. The Director of Music role is a regular force military position, so the successful applicant will need to undergo basic military and officer training.
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience
The successful applicant will have:
Significant professional experience as an orchestral/symphonic band conductor
A Bachelor of Music degree (or equivalent)
Key attributes we are looking for include:
Excellent conducting skills and rehearsal technique
Strong musical knowledge and artistic programming/repertoire experience
Strong performance skills and the ability to perform in a variety of settings with flexibility
Some knowledge of jazz and contemporary music
Experience in leadership and management
Strong digital skills, including Microsoft Office suite
The successful applicant will be required to enlist in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, and undergo basic military and officer training from early 2026. Royal New Zealand Air Force officer training takes place in Woodbourne (near Blenheim) for approximately six months. During training, participants gain institutional knowledge about the Defence Force, and learn basic military skills including weapon handling, first aid, and search and rescue.
Mō mātou | About Us
The Royal New Zealand Air Force Band is a Reserve Force unit based in Wellington, which has been a vital part of the New Zealand Defence Force for over 85 years. The band is made up of around 65 part-time musicians who audition and are enlisted as reservists. They range from professional musicians and educators through to music students, and professionals in non-musical fields. The concert band rehearses 35-40 times per year, and including the events for chamber ensembles, small groups, and bugling, there are between +0-110 engagements annually.
Public engagements involve providing music for significant commemorations and New Zealand Defence Force events, ceremonial duties (including parades during the arrival of international dignitaries), large-scale public concerts, educational performances in schools, coaching local music students, and performing at charity events. The band’s smaller ensembles include a popular Jazz Orchestra, Drum Line, a covers band, and a range of wind and brass ensembles.
Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you
NZDF is an inclusive organisation that is open to flexible working arrangements and welcomes applications from people regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, ****** orientation, age, beliefs/opinions, or family circumstances.
In return for your expertise, dedication and hard work, NZDF is offering remuneration reflective of your experience, along with:
Great benefits for you and your family
Fully funded life cover up to $300,000
Access to discounted holiday accommodation across NZ
Discounts Handbook for selected retail, entertainment and service providers
5 weeks annual leave per year
Flexible working environment and positive culture
Variety, challenge, and a chance to influence
Access to free and subsidised medical and dental care
Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply
Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a SV level of NZ Government security clearance for the position applied for and meet certain citizenship requirements. You can find out more at am I eligible page on our website.
To apply, create a profile and complete your application at defencecareers.mil.nz/apply. Please select the trade preference service as “Air Force”, then select work type as “Full Time”, then trade preference as “Director of Music – Air Force”. You must complete this step first, in order to receive the full information pack that outlines the video audition requirements, which are due by 11.5+pm on 11 April 2026.
Shortlisted applicants will need to be available to attend an in-person audition in Wellington on 23 or 24 June 2026. The successful applicant will be required to attend a four day in-person military officer selection board in late August/September 2026.
For more information on parts of the application process visit our step-by-step guide on applying for military roles at defencecareers.mil.nz/the-application-process
Current serving NZDF members wishing to be considered for the role will need to contact their respective career managers and follow normal internal processes.
If you have further questions about the role, please email: [email protected]
The Director of Music is responsible for providing and managing all aspects of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Band. Based in central Wellington, the RNZAF Band is the largest professional symphonic band in the country, made up of reservist musicians who are some of the leading professional freelance performers in the Wellington region. The RNZAF Band also has within it a number of smaller chamber, jazz, and pop music ensembles.
As Director of Music, you will:
Be responsible for delivering all musical outputs for the RNZAF Band – this includes concerts, regional tours, ceremonial events for the NZDF and government, functions, educational and community activities, and recording sessions
Conduct the RNZAF Band in rehearsals and performances
Carry out artistic planning for the band
Be responsible for policy and administration of the unit, along with personnel management
Alongside the 65 reservist musicians, two fulltime military personnel and one civilian provide the coordination and management of the unit. The Director of Music role is a regular force military position, so the successful applicant will need to undergo basic military and officer training.
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience
The successful applicant will have:
Significant professional experience as an orchestral/symphonic band conductor
A Bachelor of Music degree (or equivalent)
Key attributes we are looking for include:
Excellent conducting skills and rehearsal technique
Strong musical knowledge and artistic programming/repertoire experience
Strong performance skills and the ability to perform in a variety of settings with flexibility
Some knowledge of jazz and contemporary music
Experience in leadership and management
Strong digital skills, including Microsoft Office suite
The successful applicant will be required to enlist in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, and undergo basic military and officer training from early 2026. Royal New Zealand Air Force officer training takes place in Woodbourne (near Blenheim) for approximately six months. During training, participants gain institutional knowledge about the Defence Force, and learn basic military skills including weapon handling, first aid, and search and rescue.
Mō mātou | About Us
The Royal New Zealand Air Force Band is a Reserve Force unit based in Wellington, which has been a vital part of the New Zealand Defence Force for over 85 years. The band is made up of around 65 part-time musicians who audition and are enlisted as reservists. They range from professional musicians and educators through to music students, and professionals in non-musical fields. The concert band rehearses 35-40 times per year, and including the events for chamber ensembles, small groups, and bugling, there are between +0-110 engagements annually.
Public engagements involve providing music for significant commemorations and New Zealand Defence Force events, ceremonial duties (including parades during the arrival of international dignitaries), large-scale public concerts, educational performances in schools, coaching local music students, and performing at charity events. The band’s smaller ensembles include a popular Jazz Orchestra, Drum Line, a covers band, and a range of wind and brass ensembles.
Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you
NZDF is an inclusive organisation that is open to flexible working arrangements and welcomes applications from people regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, ****** orientation, age, beliefs/opinions, or family circumstances.
In return for your expertise, dedication and hard work, NZDF is offering remuneration reflective of your experience, along with:
Great benefits for you and your family
Fully funded life cover up to $300,000
Access to discounted holiday accommodation across NZ
Discounts Handbook for selected retail, entertainment and service providers
5 weeks annual leave per year
Flexible working environment and positive culture
Variety, challenge, and a chance to influence
Access to free and subsidised medical and dental care
Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply
Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a SV level of NZ Government security clearance for the position applied for and meet certain citizenship requirements. You can find out more at am I eligible page on our website.
To apply, create a profile and complete your application at defencecareers.mil.nz/apply. Please select the trade preference service as “Air Force”, then select work type as “Full Time”, then trade preference as “Director of Music – Air Force”. You must complete this step first, in order to receive the full information pack that outlines the video audition requirements, which are due by 11.5+pm on 11 April 2026.
Shortlisted applicants will need to be available to attend an in-person audition in Wellington on 23 or 24 June 2026. The successful applicant will be required to attend a four day in-person military officer selection board in late August/September 2026.
For more information on parts of the application process visit our step-by-step guide on applying for military roles at defencecareers.mil.nz/the-application-process
Current serving NZDF members wishing to be considered for the role will need to contact their respective career managers and follow normal internal processes.
If you have further questions about the role, please email: [email protected]
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Director of Music, Royal New Zealand Air Force Band position is now open for candidates interested in the Digital Marketing Expert Jobs sector. This role in Wellington offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Digital Marketing Expert Jobs is a plus.
