During the mid to late 19th century, amateur music making, in particular brass bands thrived in the industrial areas of the North of England. During this period countless British emigrants made their way to Aotearoa (The Land of the Long White Cloud) bringing with them a passion for brass bands. As a result hundreds of brass bands such as the Wellington Brass Band were born.

Founded in 1905 the original name of the band was the Wellington Corporation Tramways Band. A move to the band's current location in Ngaio in 1960 saw the band become the Onslow Brass Band. Then in 1998 to better reflect its standing as Wellington city’s premiere band the band became Wellington Brass. 

Today, under the leadership of current Musical Director David Bremner, the band continues to make its mark on the new century whilst maintaining its great traditions and continued quest for musical excellence. With over 109 years of proud history, the band has built a first class and formidable reputation for highly entertaining concerts, but more importantly the band has learnt to adapt to the times. In 2013 Wellington Brass organised the inaugural Oktoberfest: The Bavarian Showdown on Wellington’s waterfront which was attended by thousands of Wellingtonians. The band has a highly active involvement in music education and teaching in the community, performing at many primary schools each year to promote and encourage kids to get involved in music. 

The band has many notable triumphs to its credit in the highly competitive contesting field, including three National A Grade titles in 1969, 1981, and 2013. 2013 saw the completion of the band’s dramatic rise from the 'B Grade' in 2008, to 2013 National 'A Grade' Champions. This rise has firmly established Wellington Brass as the premier brass ensemble in the Wellington region and New Zealand.


The senior and youth bands have 65 playing musicians, consisting of both students and working professional ranging in age from 9 to 69. The majority of players are amateur musicians, although many undertake extensive musical training. As a band our objectives are to: 

- Promote music in the community 
- To perform brass and percussion music to an A-Grade standard 
- The training of youth in musicianship 
- The promotion of New Zealand music 
- To proudly represent the City of Wellington, both home and abroad