It is with great pleasure that we announce the return of one of our old boys to the Arts department. Ezra will be taking up the position of Arts Co-Ordinator at STC. In this role, he will be using his multi-faceted skillset to support the Arts teachers and student cultural captains in maintaining a strong arts presence within our Kura.

Background and Education: Ezra  passion for music began early, and he nurtured it during his time at St. Thomas of Canterbury College (STC). After completing his studies there, Ezra went on to further his music education at the Christchurch Jazz School (now Ara Music Arts). During his time at the Jazz School, he served as the Pasifika Student Representative, which provided him a unique platform to connect with peers and foster a sense of community.

Professional Growth: In 2022, Ezra's musical talents and leadership abilities led to his promotion from a vocal student to a Vocal & Guitar Tutor at Mellow Studios, Christchurch's top performing arts academy. His new role allowed him to engage with the local music scene, performing at high-profile events such as Christmas in the Park. A major opportunity arose when an American production studio scouted him to participate in a reality TV show about forming a band, set to be filmed in the UK and Los Angeles. After careful consideration and family discussions, Ezra chose to decline the opportunity, citing concerns about the show's connection to Sean Combs (P Diddy), given his controversial reputation.

Year of Exploration (2023): In 2023, Ezra decided to take a break from formal study to focus on his practical music career and expand his professional network both locally and internationally. He travelled frequently between Christchurch and Auckland, collaborating with some of New Zealand’s top young musicians and producers. Throughout this year, Ezra worked on writing, recording, and refining his music. He recorded an album with his band, Thursday Collective, where he contributed as an arranger, guitarist, keyboardist, and vocalist. Additionally, Ezra worked on his own single, which he has yet to release, as he plans to record more tracks before sharing it with the public.

Current Ventures (2024): Ezra continues to thrive at Mellow Studios, where he co-founded a weekly jam session with a friend. This event allows musicians to collaborate, write, record, and network, and it has been a great success. In addition to his work at Mellow Studios, Ezra is now employed part-time at Manu Restaurant on Cambridge Terrace, an establishment that satisfies his other passion—food. If not pursuing music, Ezra often jokes that he would have loved to be a chef.

Ezra has also attracted significant attention for his social media presence. Since launching his TikTok and Instagram profiles in April 2024, he has quickly gained a large following. His collaborations with New Zealand artists, as well as his solo performances, have resonated with fans. One of his videos has even been reposted by a prominent American page with over a million followers, helping him to gain further visibility in the music scene. His growing social media presence is leading to a brighter future in music as he aims to expand his following throughout 2025.

Future Plans and Opportunities: Looking ahead, Ezra has received an invitation to appear on The Voice Australia in 2025, with filming set to begin in February. He has not yet confirmed his participation. Instead he has taken the opportunity to return to STC and contribute to the arts department. Ezra is eager to find a balance between his studies, musical projects, and the chance to perform on a national stage.

Recently, Ezra performed a fantastic rendition of the Australian national anthem at the Kiwi’s vs. Australia Rugby League game at Orange Theory Stadium. This event also saw him perform during the halftime show and provided an exciting opportunity for him to showcase his talents to a wider audience.

Personal and Professional Vision: Ezra remains passionate about his music and continues to pursue his dreams with determination and authenticity. He is grateful for the risks he has taken by stepping away from formal study, and he is enjoying the freedom to focus on his craft. While he is unsure whether he will return to his studies next year, he is open to completing his education at some point in the future.

Ezra’s dedication to both his music and his personal growth has already led to significant achievements, and his journey is just beginning. With a strong online following, a growing network in the New Zealand music industry, and upcoming performances, Ezra is poised for continued success in the years ahead.

Watch Ezra performing in his last year at College: https://youtu.be/Jp1OQ1n2aVM