David Atai

Meet the multi-faceted musician and artist with over 20+ years of experience, best known for his work with Nesian Mystik as a guitarist and producer. David Atai has collaborated with an extensive list of chart-topping artists both in New Zealand and abroad, and has made considerable contributions to foundations of Polynesian & Maori music in New Zealand. David is well versed in production, recording, engineering across all genres, management, business, composition and captivating performances from intimate gatherings in bars and cafes, to massive crowds of 40k+. David has also been instrumental in developing programs that encourage and strengthen the musical abilities of aspiring musicians, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in music. David Atai is a true visionary, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry while empowering the next generation of talents.

David can mentor on most areas of the music industry, especially Production.

Saylene Tanielu-Ulberg

Saylene Tanielu-Ulberg is an accomplished musician, educator, producer and advocate whose work advances Pacific culture across music, tertiary education and the creative industries. Over more than two decades, she has championed Pacific talent, strengthened cultural representation and created pathways for emerging artists, musicians and learners.

Education & Research

From 2019 to 2021, Saylene completed a Bachelor of Musical Arts at MAINZ through a three-year PMA/SIT Scholarship. She is now undertaking postgraduate study in Education, developing a research focus on Pacific music as an expression of numeracy and literacy and on the recognition of Pacific knowledge within education.

Tertiary Education & Cultural Capability

Since 2024, Saylene has contributed to the development and delivery of SAE Auckland’s Pacific Songwriting programme, launched in 2025. As a lecturer in the Bachelor of Songwriting programme, she seeks Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities that connect students’ creative practice with industry and professional pathways. She previously served as a Student Success Advisor, mentoring students throughout their academic and creative journeys.

From April 2019 to December 2025, Saylene was Senior Pacific Advisor at Ako Aotearoa. Her portfolio spanned Pacific professional learning and development, cultural capability, research and tertiary education. She managed Pacific research projects and facilitated Pacific Cultural Capability programmes across the tertiary sector, helping advance approaches that recognise Pacific knowledge, identity, relationships and community as educational strengths.

Governance and Advocacy

Saylene’s leadership spans governance, sector development and advocacy. She is an active member of the Association of Pacific Staff in Tertiary Education (APSTE), served on the board of the Titirangi Festival of Music in 2025 and is a current Board Trustee of Literacy Waitākere. In November 2026, she will join the ISB Advisory Group for ETITC, contributing expertise across Pacific education, cultural capability and the creative industries.

As Co-Director of Mahi Moana, a Pacific-led organisation established in 2020, Saylene advocates for Pacific songwriters, musicians and artists. She also promotes the protection, recognition and advancement of Pacific creative knowledge and practice across the wider music industry.

Production and Performance

Saylene’s producing work reflects her commitment to Pacific artists and audiences. In July 2024, she co-produced the Tina Turner Tribute Show at SkyCity Theatre with Tutasi Lam and the late Cathryn Laban, featuring Annie Crummer, Betty-Anne Hall and Hawkins. She later co-produced Timeless Duets Vol. 1, celebrating soul, Motown and R&B repertoire with some of Aotearoa’s much-loved artists, musicians and vocalists. She is now co-producing Timeless Duets Vol. 2, planned for SkyCity Theatre in 2027.

Her experience also includes tour management: she led the Excel School of Performing Arts on a national tour in 2018 and served on its Academic Advisory Board from 2019 to 2023.

An accomplished keyboard player and vocalist, Saylene has performed extensively throughout Aotearoa and internationally, including as keyboardist and backing vocalist for Annie Crummer, Rob Ruha, King Kapisi and Ardijah.

Across her work as an educator, musician, producer, advisor, researcher and advocate, Saylene creates spaces in which Pacific knowledge and creativity are recognised and valued. By connecting education, music, cultural capability and industry, she continues to strengthen pathways, representation and opportunities for Pacific people and future generations.

Saylene can mentor on Education, Songwriting/Production, Live Music, Musicianship, Music Direction, Pasifika Kaitiaki, Supporting Emerging Managers and Self-Managed Artists.

Pippa Ryan-Kidd

Working both internationally and locally in artist management, music distribution, retail and publicity. Having worked in the corporate field in Product Buying, Sales & Management, Project Planning, Negotiation, Contracts and Employee Management. Chair of Independent Music New Zealand.

Pippa can mentor on Management, Touring, Branding, Record Labels, Strategy, Merchandise, Publicity, Publishing, A&R, Production, Radio, Digital

Oliver Kraemer

Oliver Kraemer was born and raised in Germany, where he completed a BA in Music Business at the University of Popular Music and Music Business, Mannheim and an MA in Art and Media Management at HfMT Hamburg. He took his first steps in the music industry at MTV Germany, working in the Talent and Music department, before managing weekly live events and assisting with the management of German powerhouse Beatsteaks in Berlin.

Oliver immigrated to Aotearoa in 2009 and began working with local artists, supporting Solomon Crook with his early releases and helping Alien Weaponry develop their international touring career. He later co-founded Tenfold Records, where he manages and releases music from a diverse range of Aotearoa-based artists, including WHO SHOT SCOTT, PONZ, REPAIR, Wet Bandits, Joe Cole and many more.

Oliver can mentor on Management, Touring, Branding, Record Labels, Strategy, Merchandise, and A&R

Gabe Andrews

Gabe is Head of Publishing at Precise Digital, an independent music services company based in Tāmaki Makaurau. With a strong focus on the Pacific, Precise not only represents songwriters based in Aotearoa but from all across the region including Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, the Solomon Islands and Australia. 

Melbourne-born and musically obsessed, his start in the music industry was in digital media and community radio. A volunteering stint at Auckland's 95bFM was particularly formative in becoming involved in New Zealand's music scene.

Prior to joining Precise Digital, Gabe worked at APRA AMCOS NZ for over five years in the licensing and membership departments.

Gabe can mentor on Publishing, Digital Distribution, Sync & Licensing

Mazbou Q

Mazbou Q is an artist, producer, educator and content creator with extensive experience in music production, branding, social media strategy and digital content. Also known as “The Rap Scientist,” he has built an international audience through educational and music-focused content that combines hip hop, rhythm theory and creative storytelling.

As an independent artist and lead producer at UNCHAINED XL Production Co., Mazbou has worked across music, commercial audio and branded content, collaborating with clients including ESPN, MGM, Foot Locker and Les Mills. His work as a content creator has grown an online community of more than 500,000 followers across platforms, while his educational work has taken him to institutions including Harvard University, Berklee College of Music and NYU.

As a mentor, Mazbou brings practical experience in developing a distinctive creative brand, producing professional music and audio, building engaged online audiences, and creating social media content that translates artistic ideas into compelling digital experiences.

Mazbou can mentor on Branding, Production, Content Creation, and Social Media Strategy

Tom Grut

Tom is a Tāmaki Makaurau-based artist specialising in creative direction, management and live music photography. Over the years, he has built a career deeply rooted in the local scene, collaborating with artists including Borderline, Double Parked, Bic Runga, Aidan Fine, Foley, No Cigar, Diggy Dupé, Dartz, and many more.

Alongside his editorial work, Tom has led the Laneway Festival media team for several years, and continues to take on commercial projects through Fish n' Clips and Fan Club.

Driven by a distinct visual voice and a passion for storytelling, Tom is constantly seeking to push the boundaries of artistic expression — finding new ways to capture the energy, emotion, and culture of the world around him.

Tom can mentor on Management, Branding, Music Video Production.

Lucie Watson

Lucie spent a decade building Platoon as Head of Music, working with Billie Eilish, Jorja Smith, Yebba, Victoria Monèt and many more artists in the early stages of their careers. Now, Lucie runs her own label, mgmt & consultancy goodtwin, specialising in artist development, releasing music, audience growth and helping artists navigate to the next step of their careers. With a belief that there's no one playbook for artists - you will not get stock-standard advice in a session with Lucie. goodtwin also write a regular substack tailored to emerging artists, offering free education and advice on the music industry.

Lucie can mentor on Record Labels, Strategy, Publicity, Digital, Artist Development, Release Marketing, Distribution, Audience Growth, Fan Building, and London