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Posted 16 July, 2026

Navy - Musician

Defence Technology Agency
Auckland, AUK, NZ Full Time
Reference: ace3872b3f2d1b68

Job Description

Join New Zealand’s most versatile military musical organisation. Travel and work with this unique group of musicians throughout New Zealand and the world. The Royal New Zealand Navy band (RNZN band) is highly respected both within the Navy and musical circles. It includes some of the country’s finest musicians whose professional capability and versatility combine to deliver a wide range of ensembles to perform at a varied range of ceremonies and events. About the role Education & Support roles Entry type General entry Under training $68,860 Location Auckland Musicians in the Navy are full time professional band members. The band’s key role is the responsibility to deliver musical support to the NZ Government, NZ diplomatic interests within New Zealand and overseas and support to the RNZN Mission. This is achieved through the following: Support to state ceremonial Command support to Navy personnel, its ships and families Public relations Moral component, providing entertainment for Navy and wider NZDF The RNZN band is unique as the only full time professional military band in New Zealand; but not every event involves marching. From our purpose built home at Fort Cautley in Devonport, the daily routine of rehearsals occurs from 8am until 4pm. Time is spent preparing various ensembles the band is called on to provide, they include: Full concert band Further to this, solo performance are a feature at our annual series of chamber concerts. All rehearsals are planned into our full schedule that at times involves irregular hours including evenings and travel that all professional musicians are familiar with. Requirements Basics Be a minimum of 18 years of age upon entry. You must have obtained at least 10 credits at NCEA level 1 in both Literacy and Numeracy. A tertiary qualification is desirable, but proficiency on one’s primary instrument is the main criteria. Entry into the Navy Band is by audition with the Director of Music. Should this audition be successful, the Director of Music, in conjunction with the Navy recruiters, will put forward a candidate for selection into the Navy. Musicians must meet the musical requirements to be in the Band, but also need to meet the general requirements of entry to join the Navy. There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the SV security clearance required for this trade. You must be free of any criminal convictions for the previous two years. There may be a return of service period for this trade. Please contact our 0800 number or talk to your Candidate Experience Facilitator for more information. We offer guidance on entry requirements in oureligibility section . Apply if you're uncertain, as we’ll work through the criteria with you to determine if you can proceed. Earn a competitive salary while training or learning your trade, along with additional allowances for time spent in the field, at sea, overseas, or deployed on operations. In addition to salary and allowances, other benefits of joining the New Zealand Defence Force include: Access to your Service marae or tūrangawaewae Sponsored tertiary study programmes at all levels Free access to gyms and swimming pools on camp and bases Opportunities to travel Free and subsidised medical and dental care Subsidised food and accommodation on camps and bases Subsidised insurance cover Careers in the Navy are well-rewarded, as well as being diverse and exciting. As you become more experienced and move up through the ranks, gaining additional skills and qualifications, you will see your salary rise accordingly. Recruitment into the musician trade is achieved through an audition process managed by the Director of Music (DoM). This includes a formal musical audition and interview with the DoM and a selected panel of senior musicians from within the band. If successful at this stage, the candidate is then invited to work with the band on a suitable engagement where the candidate’s professional ability, demeanour, attitude and competency can be assessed within our working environment. Many band members hold musical tertiary qualifications from Polytechnic or University, although this is not essential, being a competent performer/soloist on at least one military band instrument is essential. If you are successful at audition you are then invited to start the recruitment process into the RNZN. If you want to be part of the NZ Defence Force you need to be medically and physically fit for military duties worldwide. Your step-by-step guide on what to expect at various stages of the application process, specifically for military roles. #J-18808-Ljbffr

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