The Kāpiti Business Chamber and Mostly Music are teaming up to host a landmark event, Strengthening the Music Scene: A Kāpiti Industry Workshop
The workshop will be held on Wednesday 12 November, bringing together musicians, venues, creative professionals, and business leaders to explore how the local music scene can better contribute to the district’s economy and community vibrancy.
The initiative marks the beginning of a new partnership between the Chamber and Mostly Music, designed to help bridge the gap between Kāpiti’s creative industries and the wider business ecosystem.
Chair of the Kāpiti Business Chamber Ben Jamison says the Chamber is proud to collaborate on this mahi, recognising that music and the arts are a vital part of a thriving local economy, especially in a place like Kāpiti which is known for its creativity.
“Music makes business stronger, though it’s not always considered to be the case. The ripple effect of a healthy music scene reaches hospitality, tourism, retail, and employment. By bringing the business community together with the creative sector, we can identify how to better support live music and the local music industry as an economic driver for Kāpiti,” says Mr Jamison.
“It’s exciting for the Chamber to be playing an active role in enabling that collaboration, and personally, as a musician, I’m passionate about seeing music recognised for the value it brings.”
Mostly Music founder and Kāpiti Business Chamber Deputy Chair Jess Deacon says the partnership between the Chamber and Mostly Music represents an important opportunity: to reframe people’s thinking about the value of music.
“This is about connection between artists, venues, businesses, and decision-makers. Music is so often overlooked for its importance, treated as wallpaper, or the nice to have. By working together, we can build a more sustainable, visible, and economically vibrant scene that benefits everyone; socially, creatively, and financially,” says Ms Deacon.
“Mostly Music is all about amplifying what’s already here. There’s incredible talent and passion in Kāpiti. We just need to connect the dots.”
The workshop will include group discussions, networking opportunities, and practical sessions to identify what’s working well and where barriers remain. It will also highlight the impact of the local music economy through practical examples. The insights gathered will be summarised into recommendations that will be shared with Kāpiti Coast District Council and the Economic Development Kotahitanga Board to inform future planning and investment in the arts and creative economy.
The event is free to attend, open to anyone involved in the local music or business community, and will take place on Wednesday 12 November, 5–7pm at Waterfront Bar, Raumati Beach – a venue chosen for being a core part of the live music economy here in Kāpiti.
Event Details
What: Strengthening the Music Scene: A Kāpiti Industry Workshop
When: Wednesday 12 November 2025, 5–7pm
Where: Waterfront Bar, 3 Garden Road, Raumati Beach
Cost: Free (registration is essential)
