Our Musical Director, Dean Harawira!

Dean Harawira is 56 years old, married with four children of his own, six foster children and nine grandchildren. Born in New Zealand he has travelled extensively throughout the world from the age of 17 to Japan, Hawaii, Tahiti, Easter Island, Brazil, Mexico, USA & Canada to name a few. Dean currently holds a Bachelor of Music, is a Master of Creative Industries and a full-time music teacher on the Gold Coast of Australia. He plans to take a year off from study before beginning his doctorate of Indigenous Development and Advancement. He has produced a number of stage shows, written and arranged music for multiple shows and musical acts and has recently experimented in the musical theatre space.

Nominated as a finalist of the Aria Teacher of the Year Award in 2018, Dean has been a long-term advocate of promoting live music amongst young people and is currently organizing the Inaugural Gold Coast International Jazz Day Festival taking place on the Gold Coast in April 2022. Dean is proud to be the Musical Director for the Festival of Fun and is looking forward this inclusive event showcasing the talent of people of many and diverse backgrounds and abilities.

Mus, Grad. Dip. Education, Master of Creative Industries
Professional Musician, Music Arranger, Musical Director.