Nicholas Lindstrom is a lover of music hailing from Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Te Awamutu and Mozambique. He currently works at the New Zealand Music Commission and independent record store Flying Out. Immersed in music, he also writes freelance, DJs, and hosts the 95bFM Friday Drive Show.

Gene Rivers (Ngai Takato/ Ngaa Puhi/ Vaimalo) is a South Auckland-based DJ, curator, and arts programmer whose work sits at the intersection of music, community, and culture. Over the years, Gene has built a strong presence across Aotearoa’s music landscape, with radio stints on George FM, Base FM, and KFM, where he has championed underground sounds and local talent. Whether behind the scenes or behind the decks, his work is driven by a commitment to creating spaces where music and storytelling thrive.

Dr. Jeremy Mayall is the CEO of Creative Waikato, a regional arts organisation based in Kirikiriroa-Hamilton. At Creative Waikato he works to advocate for the value and importance of arts, culture and creativity to collective wellbeing. This organisation is a strategic capability builder who work throughout the wider Waikato region supporting all forms of artistic and cultural expression. Outside of that mahi, Jeremy is also a composer, performer, artist, and researcher.

“H” Kaa is an award-winning vocalist, drummer, songwriter, and cultural advocate from Ōtautahi, best known as one half of the genre-blending bilingual duo Dillastrate. In 2025, Dillastrate won the APRA Silver Scroll Tohu Maioha Award, recognising excellence in contemporary waiata reo Māori songwriting, a major milestone that placed Henare among the country’s most respected modern music composers. Beyond performance, Henare is a vocal advocate for neurodiversity and ADHD in the creative industries, and shares practical insights on building a sustainable career as an independent artist. His work sits at the intersection of culture, community, and contemporary music, balancing commercial success with artistic integrity and kaupapa-driven storytelling.

Maggie Cocco is a multidisciplinary musician and arts advocate based in Te Tai Tokerau. She is the Professional Support Advisor for Musicians at Creative Northland, and also leads He Reo -- a council-backed music hub and resource-sharing initiative in Whangārei. Originally from the United States, Maggie has worked as a session musician, vocal coach, and Board Chair of Girls Rock Detroit—bringing international industry experience and grassroots governance insight to conversations on how modern music ecosystems can grow and thrive. Her work centres on accessibility, sustainability, and community-led infrastructure.