Music Industry News

The backbone of the New Zealand music industry is stepping out from the shadows and into the spotlight. Organisers are proud to announce the return of Roady for Roadies, a premier fundraising event dedicated to supporting the production crews and technicians who make live music possible.

On April 10, 2026, the music community and the general public will embark on a symbolic Coast-to-Coast walk, travelling on foot from Onehunga to Spark Arena. All entry fees and donations from the event will go directly to MusicHelps, New Zealand’s leading music charity.

Supporting the Backbone of Live Music

Roadies and production crews are the essential fabric of the NZ music scene. They load the trucks, rig the lights, and manage the sound that defines our concert experiences. However, as independent contractors, these workers often face significant hurdles when dealing with injuries, medical crises, or mental health distress.

“Roady for Roadies is our opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to the people who build the stages and keep the lights on,” says John Leach of JLP Presents. “When the industry faces hardship, MusicHelps is there to provide a safety net. This walk ensures they have the resources to keep doing that vital work.”

The Impact of MusicHelps

MusicHelps provides a critical benevolent fund and professional wellbeing services. To date, they have supported thousands of musicians, songwriters, and – crucially – the production crews who are often overlooked. Previous years have seen thousands of dollars raised, providing a lifeline for workers in times of need.

Event Details
What: Roady for Roadies 2026 Fundraising Walk
When: Friday 10 April, 2026
Route: Horns Reserve, Onehunga to the Tuning Fork at Spark Arena (Coast-to-Coast)
Purpose: Raising funds for the MusicHelps benevolent fund and wellbeing services.

Members of the public, industry professionals, and music fans are encouraged to register and join the ‘wander’ to ensure that when our roadies hit a rough patch, they aren’t walking alone.

Check out all things MusicHelps below:
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