Our Supporters and Leadership

Our Supporters

Bras and Brass is powered by the generosity of our community. From the businesses that keep us on the road to the Trustees who guide our mission, every person listed here plays a vital part in our fight against breast cancer and ensures we have a whole heap of fun along the way.

As a self-funded Charitable Trust (CC62187), we rely on the energy of our volunteers and the kindness of our partners to make our "pink journey" possible. Whether it is donating gear, providing professional services, or helping us reach new towns, our supporters are the heartbeat of the band.

Sshhmutes

Our thanks to Betty, Trevor and Fraser Bremner at sshhmute for their kind support of Bras and Brass and Breast Cancer New Zealand through the sale of their mutes. Please support them where you can as they support us.

Brass Direct

This is a fantastic cause and one that is close to our hearts. My father was very keen to support this band when he first heard of its inception. Although unfortunately he is no longer with us, we are delighted to continue with his desire to support this sensational band. - Rhys

House of Oom

Meet Paula Boulcott. As well as being a playing member of Brasandbrass Paula created and donated via her business House of Oom the music stand banners. Paula is also the women behind the fabulous band merchandise.

BBANZ

BBANZ actively promotes Bras and Brass events through their website, social media channels, and mailing lists. They recognize the band as a vital part of the national banding culture that celebrates women's contributions to the movement.

Miller Associates

David provides professional support to help our Foundation grow.

Our Volunteers and Band

Thanks to our volunteers, music makers, arrangers and of course our fabulous women and men in pink.

Our band members and volunteers fund their own travel expenses to perform. Your time, talent, and financial support are what keep this group moving forward.

Join Our Mission

We are always looking for like-minded partners to help us strike a chord for the cure. If you or your business would like to get involved as a supporter, sponsor, or helper, we would love to hear from you.

Our Trustees

The Bras and Brass Foundation is guided by a dedicated Board of Trustees who provide the strategic oversight, governance, and heart behind our music.

While we are a nationwide support network that feels like a family reunion, we are also a registered New Zealand Charitable Trust. Our Trustees volunteer their time and professional expertise to ensure our mission remains sustainable, transparent, and impactful.

Role of a Trustee

As Trustees of a registered charity, our collective responsibility is to ensure the Foundation remains true to its mission. Our roles include:

Mission Stewardship: Ensuring every activity and concert aligns with our charter to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research.
Financial Governance: Overseeing the Foundation’s self-funding model and ensuring all donations are managed with full transparency and integrity.
Legal Compliance: Meeting all reporting requirements of Charities Services Ngā Ratonga Kaupapa Atawhai to maintain our registered status.
Duty of Care: Acting in the best interests of the Foundation and the brass band community we support.

Together, we work to ensure that every note we play helps strike a chord for the cure.

View our Charity Status

https://www.register.charities.govt.nz/Charity/CC62187

Gillian Boyes

An experienced leader in the professional sector, Gillian brings a wealth of governance and strategic insight to the Foundation. Her expertise includes communications, change management, and stakeholder relationships. Gillian is a passionate advocate for the arts, serving on the committee of Wellington’s Stagecraft Theatre and supporting Circa Theatre.

Bronwynne Lynch

A cornerstone of the Bras and Brass community and a breast cancer survivor herself, Bronwynne is a playing member in the band, and the Foundation’s Band Liaison. Outside of her lifelong passion for music, Bronwynne has gained national attention for her "Race4-DCup"motor racing team, using her pink race car to spread the message of early detection and the importance of regular mammograms

Julie Anne Garnons-Williams

Julie Anne supports the Foundation’s administrative and strategic goals, bringing professional experience in service design, governance, and stakeholder engagement. An experienced stage manager and organiser, Julie Anne is the engine that keeps the band running smoothly from managing communications and publicity to ensuring the band is well-nourished during intensive rehearsal weekends.

Mike Sander

A lifelong member of the brass band movement, Mike is the driving force behind Bras and Brass. With decades of experience as a player and committee member including as President of the Wellington District Brass Bands Association and a member of the BBANZ Management Committee, Mike brings a deep understanding of the community’s traditions to the Foundation.

Our Musical Director

Michelle Panko

Originally from South Yorkshire, England, Michelle began her brass journey at age seven, inspired by a passionate school caretaker who introduced her to the cornet. She has since played cornet, trumpet, piano, electric organ, and tenor horn, studying trumpet formally at college and completing a postgraduate diploma in music education.

Michelle’s performance and leadership experience spans the UK and New Zealand, including Yorkshire Main Colliery Band, Heage Band, Thorntons Brass Band, Cambridge Brass Band, Hamilton City Brass, Te Awamutu Brass Band, and Bras & Brass. As Musical Director, she has guided bands from small beginnings to regional and national success, often alongside her daughters.

Michelle loves encouraging musicians of all abilities, believing that confidence and support are the key to great performances. Outside of music, she runs a business helping people rewire their brains through movement and sensory input, supporting clients with neuro-behavioural challenges.

Mike and Julie Anne in Christchurch

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