Big names record for music therapy centre

A couple of New Zealand’s biggest names have recorded a classic song in a bid to help a special therapy centre in Auckland.
Anika Moa and Opshop have recorded the Dave Dobbyn classic “Beside You” to raise funds for the Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre.
It's New Zealand’s first music therapy centre, providing for special needs children of school age and younger.
It treats a variety of children who have mental disabilities. Its been found that music for many people, helps reduce a sense of isolation and creates new possibilities for participation in the world and a more creative life.
“(It) does amazing work helping children to communicate through music,” says Moa.
“I have always wanted to help kids using my music so when I was approached and asked to support this, I jumped at the chance. Recording and releasing a single was the obvious way to go.”
Opshop’s Jason Kerrison says the music industry is proud to support a charity that uses music to help connect with children who struggle to communicate through traditional means.
“It means a lot to us as artists and musicians to be able to raise the much needed funds,” Kerrison says. “The money raised through the sale of this single will go a long way in further funding much needed therapy.”
Singer and songwriter Hinewehi Mohi, her husband George and daughter Hineraukatauri, who has severe cerebral palsy, spent time at the Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy Centre in London in 1999.
They found music struck a chord for Hineraukatauri.
Upon their return to New Zealand, the family determined to establish a music therapy centre here. The dream was realised with the opening in early 2004 of the Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre, now in Eden Terrace.
For more information, please visit http://www.rmtc.org.nz/.