Choral Vacancies
Is your choir looking for a music director, accompanist or more singers?
NZCF can help in a number of ways:
- Paid advertising on our website under this section in eBreve
- Concert and Events listings for member choirs (list your event)
- Our 'Find-a-Choir' facility on our home page which is connected to your choir's own online profile: a good reason to keep it updated
- Download information about remuneration for choir directors
Advertisements for vacancies for choir directors, or other key roles, may be placed here for up to three months at a cost of $85 (NZCF member choirs) or $170 (non-members) - this includes up to three insertions in our monthly NZCF eBreve newsletter and the relevant regional events newsletter. Click here for more information or contact office@nzcf.org.nz to place an advertisement.
Help us further our vision of New Zealand as a singing nation.
The New Zealand Choral Federation | Te Kotahitanga Manu Reo o Aotearoa (NZCF) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting the performance, creation and enjoyment of group singing for all. We are Aotearoa’s largest choral network, with over 20,000 members drawn from hundreds of community, school, and chamber choirs.
We are looking for an energetic part-time contractor to join our small and dedicated team. The ideal candidate will be well-organised, an excellent communicator, highly motivated, and able to work effectively from home as part of a dispersed staff.
The Events & Outreach Coordinator will work closely with the Events Manager and Chief Executive to deliver regional events, workshops, and training opportunities that support singers and conductors throughout Aotearoa.
This position would be well suited to someone seeking a flexible, part-time contract, with most work able to be undertaken from home during school hours. Occasional travel may be required to support NZCF events and programmes. The successful applicant will need access to a suitable home office and reliable internet connection.
Download a detailed job description
KEY TASKS
As the Events & Outreach Coordinator, your primary responsibility will be to work with regional event coordinators and the NZCF National team to support the planning and delivery of NZCF's regional events, workshops, conductor development opportunities, and outreach programmes. This includes SingFests, Regional Workshops, the biennial Choral Connect conference, and the Fehl outreach programme in primary and intermediate schools. The role also includes providing administrative and operational support across NZCF's wider activities, with priorities varying throughout the year.
This is a fixed-term, part-time contract role through to 31 December 2027, averaging 20 hours per week. The role is home-based, offering flexible working arrangements and remuneration of $40-$45 per hour, depending on experience. There may be an opportunity to extend the contract beyond 2027 if ongoing funding is secured.
HOW TO APPLY
Please send your CV with cover letter to the NZCF Events Manager, Emma Billings: emma.billings@nzcf.org.nz
The closing date for applications is Friday 4 December 2026.
All applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand.
Blenheim, Marlborough | Commencing February 2027
Blenheim Choral is a vibrant, community-based choir and the longest-established choir in Blenheim, with a proud history dating back to 1962.
We rehearse on Tuesday evenings from 7.00–9.00 pm, with the Accompanist joining rehearsals from 7.30 pm. We typically present two concerts each year.
We are seeking an inspiring, enthusiastic and skilled Musical Director and Accompanist to join us as we enter our next chapter. These are opportunities to build on our strong community foundations, develop our musical skills and confidence, and bring engaging and rewarding choral performances to our audiences.
The positions
- Part-time contract positions commencing February 2027.
- Musical Director: Weekly rehearsals on Tuesday evenings, 7.00–9.00 pm.
- Accompanist: Weekly rehearsals on Tuesday evenings, 7.30–9.00 pm, providing piano accompaniment for rehearsals and performances.
- Musical Director: conducting scheduled concerts and community performances, repertoire selection and ongoing development of the choir's musical ability.
- Accompanist: providing piano accompaniment for rehearsals and performances, and working closely with the Musical Director.
- Collaboration with the committee on concert planning and the choir's musical programme.
- Remuneration negotiable, based on qualifications and experience.
If you are passionate about choral music, enjoy working with community singers and would love to help Blenheim Choral continue to grow and thrive, we would love to hear from you.
If you are interested in either role, please submit your CV and covering letter to Blenheim Choral at marlboroughsingers@gmail.com, or contact us to request the full job description. Applications close 10 December 2026
Wairarpa Singers
We are a much-loved feature of the Wairarapa's musical scene, and have been performing concerts in the region since 1994.
Our 80-strong SATB choir sings a diverse variety of eclectic and well-known pieces. We aim to make the best music we possibly can, while having fun and enjoying music old and new.
We are seeking a new Music Director in 2027 who will help us continue the upward trajectory of technical and performance development that we have achieved under our current Director.
Our unauditoned choir comprises a range of ages and musical skill levels. We rehearse weekly on a Wednesday evening in Masterton and perform two concerts a year. Please check our website for details of recent performances.
Our ideal candidate will be:
- an experienced and innovative community choir director;
- a team player who is willing to collaborate effectively with a supportive management committee;
- a proven leader who will challenge and motivate the choir to achieve a high standard of musicianship and performance;
- a positive and engaging communicator; and
- resilient and focused, with the ability to wrangle a lively group of adult singers while maintaining a sense of humour.
We welcome candidates from outside the region, and are happy to discuss a contribution towards travel costs with the successful candidate.
If you are interested in the role, please submit your CV and covering letter to wairarapasingersnz@gmail.com. Further questions about the role can also be submitted to this address. Applications close on Monday 16 November.
An opportunity for established and emerging conductors to lead major concert projects in Nelson.
With Music and Artistic Director Jason Balla taking a sabbatical from conducting during the 2027 concert season, Nelson Civic Choir (NCC) is seeking one or more suitably experienced or emerging choral conductors to lead its major concert projects.
The Guest Conductor Programme will provide artistic continuity and variety while giving NCC the opportunity to work with conductors who may be considered for future involvement with the choir.
Remuneration will be commensurate with experience, with travel and accommodation assistance available by arrangement with the committee.
NCC welcomes expressions of interest from conductors who:
- have demonstrated choral conducting and rehearsal skills;
- can work effectively with a community choir of approximately 80 singers;
- have the musical and organisational ability to prepare and conduct a major concert programme;
- can collaborate effectively with NCC’s committee, musicians, soloists and partner organisations;
- bring fresh repertoire, ideas and artistic perspectives; and
- may be interested in developing an ongoing relationship with Nelson Civic Choir.
Both established and emerging conductors are encouraged to express interest before 30 November.
To find out more or register your interest, email Todd Padgett, Chair@nelsoncivicchoir.com.
Christchurch City Choir is the largest symphonic choir in Canterbury, and we are looking for a conductor of musical excellence to lead us!
The Music Director is responsible for the artistic direction, rehearsals and performances of the Choir. This position is available for the first time in 10 years and will give the right candidate an opportunity to make their mark on the New Zealand classical music scene.
The Choir currently has 100 auditioned members and we aim to increase our membership in 2027. We collaborate regularly with New Zealand professional musicians, such as the CSO and operatic soloists, young musicians, such as the Youth
Orchestra, and other specialised musicians and bands. We regularly rehearse on Tuesday nights during school term times and generally we perform key concerts three to four times a year, with regular venues including The Town Hall and The Piano. We engage with our local community through smaller outreach concerts throughout the year.
Shortlisted candidates may be invited to prepare the choir for a concert during 2027. This will give us an opportunity to work together and for you to have a mini experience of what leading the choir entails. Specific requirements and timeframes will be agreed with candidates.
Interested applicants can request to attend a rehearsal in 2026 as we prepare for Last Night of the Proms with the CSO and Handel’s Messiah at the Town Hall.
Key skills / duties:
- Direct/conduct Choir’s regular rehearsals and workshops.
- Direct/conduct orchestra, ensemble, soloist and full rehearsals.
- Develop and present choral concert repertoire including working with other musicians, soloists, orchestras and/or ensembles.
- Conduct auditions for new members and reaudition existing members every three years.
- Develop and maintain the choir at an excellent symphonic choir standard.
- Provide leadership, build and maintain relationships with choir members.
- Assist with publicity, media campaigns and promoting the choir.
- Develop, build and maintain network with other Music Directors, musicians, and key stakeholders.
- Attend monthly Board of Trustee meetings.
Applications and queries can be directed to chair@citychoir.co.nz. Please provide a CV, cover letter and two references in your application. Applications for this position close on the 30 November 2026. Applicants must be eligible to work in NZ to apply for this role.
Keynotes Women’s Barbershop Chorus, Tauranga
New Members Also Welcome
Keynotes is a women’s barbershop chorus that has been singing in Tauranga for 22 years. We sing for enjoyment and love sharing our music with a wide range of audiences. We take pride in achieving a rich, blended sound and enjoy the challenge of close, four-part harmony.
We are a friendly group of around 15 singers and would love to grow our chorus. Rehearsals are held at 7 pm, Thursday evenings at the Wesley Centre, 100 13th Avenue, Tauranga.
Our long-time Music Director has indicated she wishes to retire, so we are seeking a new Director. Ideally, the successful applicant will have experience in barbershop singing and
directing. This is a wonderful opportunity to lead a passionate, supportive group of singers and help guide Keynotes into its next chapter.
If you would like to know more, please contact us:
keynotesbarbershop@gmail.com
Catherine 027 540 0036
CANZ is seeking 3 Trustees to help shape the next chapter of one of Aotearoa’s leading national music organisations.
CANZ supports outstanding choral singing; develops generations of New Zealand singers and conductors; and champions the distinctive voices and music of Aotearoa.
It is an exciting time to join us. In 2025, the NZ National Youth Choir was named Choir of the World; an extraordinary international achievement and a reflection of
the talent and ambition found throughout our organisation. At the same time, we are developing a new direction for Voices NZ Chamber Choir to think ambitiously about its artistic identity, audiences and place in the cultural life of Aotearoa.
We are particularly interested in people who can bring expertise in: audit, risk management, te ao and tikanga Māori. We would also encourage South Island residents to apply.
One trustee is re-applying and there are two additional vacancies.
About Choirs Aotearoa New Zealand
CANZ governs and supports nationally significant choirs and programmes, including the Aotearoa Choral Academy, NZ Secondary Students Choir, NZ Youth Choir and Voices NZ Chamber Choir, alongside development, outreach and engagement activity.
Our work ranges from nurturing some of the country’s most promising young singers to presenting professional choral performances at the highest level. We commission and perform New Zealand music, collaborate with leading artists and organisations, tour nationally and internationally and contribute to the development of choral music across Aotearoa.
We are committed to strengthening connections across the wider choral and arts sectors, reaching audiences and communities throughout the country and ensuring our work reflects the cultural identity of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Who we are looking for
We welcome expressions of interest from people with a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. An interest in the arts is helpful but not essential. We are particularly interested in strengthening the Board in the following areas:
- Accounting and financial governance — strong accounting, audit, financial management or financial governance skills to help the Board maintain robust oversight of CANZ’s finances, risk and long-term sustainability.
- Te ao and tikanga Māori — knowledge, relationships and experience that can help CANZ deepen its engagement with te ao Māori and strengthen the place of tikanga Māori, mātauranga Māori and partnership within our work.
- Governance, leadership and strategic capability — the ability to ask constructive questions, think strategically and help CANZ navigate opportunities and change.
We are also interested in experience in areas such as education, fundraising, commercial networks, community engagement or the wider not-for-profit sector.
We are looking for Trustees who value the role that excellent choral music can play in the cultural life of Aotearoa and who are curious about how a national organisation can continue to evolve, connect with new communities and remain relevant for future generations.
The Board
The Board meets twice online and twice in-person each year. The in-person board meetings are a day long and usually held in Wellington or Auckland. Trustees work collectively to set direction, provide financial and organisational oversight, support CANZ’s long-term sustainability and ensure the organisation remains focused on its purpose and responsibilities as a national arts organisation.
We value constructive discussion, different perspectives and Trustees who are prepared to contribute their own insights and listen to the contributions of others.
Expressions of interest
If you are interested in contributing to the future of choral music in Aotearoa or the NZ arts scene more generally we would be delighted to hear from you.
Please send, by 15th November 2026, a brief expression of interest as well as a governance CV to: richard.sorrenson@gmail.com.
If you would like an informal conversation about the role before applying please call the Chair, Richard Sorrenson, at 0204 767 767.
New Members wanted too.
Katikati Mural Town Singers is a friendly non-auditioned community choir, welcoming both men and women. Some of us have been singing in the choir for many years. At present we are working to
grow choir numbers.
We practise on a Wednesday evening, these rehearsals are taken by Malcolm Gapes, our Music Director. Malcolm is also a member of the Katikati Concert Band. We sing a wide variety of music, both for enjoyment and to share with our local community in one or two concerts each year. We have collaborated with other choirs in the past and hope to continue to do that, thereby adding to our singing knowledge and sharing ideas.
We are seeking an accompanist. If this position interests you or if you would like to find out more, please contact Karen Sellers, Secretary, sellers.lulu@gmail.com