Band Officers :

This page provides a profile of the band officers that were influential in the development and administration of the band.  In general most of these people were long serving members of the band.

To see a full list of ALL the band officers over the years please click below 

Band Officers :  1960  to  2000              Band Officers :   1920  to 1950                             

  Percy Mahan Brooker MBE (1971)      

Born in Christchurch 1902 Educated at Waitaki Boy’s High and Wellington College . Gained his law degree at Victoria University and admitted to the Bar.

As an annotator of statutes, he ran the family business (Brooker & Friend Ltd) until his son Stuart took charge.

Percy first became involved with the Wellington Municipal Tramways Brass Band (Inc) when he was elected to the presidency at the 1958 Annual meeting and he held that role until his death, aged 82, on January 4 1985 .

Initially he kept a low profile, thinking it was of a “figurehead” only role. It wasn’t until NG Goffin resigned from the Conductorship and with the demise of the Wellington tramway system that the expertise of Percy became known.

In 1960 Percy negotiated with the local Progressive Assn and the Ngaio RSA to have the band move to Onslow, adopt that name and practise in the RSA hall. He was able to entice N G Goffin back into the fold and from that moment on the band never looked back.

He was made a life member of the band in 1975

Because of his friendship with both C.L. Tunnicliffe and the Hon. Sir John Marshall he was able to encourage both men to stand for the office of band Patron, Sir John following ”Tunny” after his death.

Percy was also involved with the Onslow Rugby Union and with his assistance the band and the club worked together along with other groups in the district erecting a magnificent sport – cultural centre on Nairnville Park Khandallah. The band was also able to use the park for its Sunday morning “marching” practice.

Being an old trombone player himself he became enthused with the Brass band movement generally and before long was elected to the Presidency of the NZBBA (now BANZ). He held the position from 1966 – 1974. He was assistant manager of  the 1965 National Band tour of America

Percy was “one” of the boys he liked nothing better than a glass of ale and a sing - song around a piano. He was well liked by the entire band and his portrait smiles benignly from the new band room wall.  

 Norman George Goffin OBE (1980)

Norman was elected president after the demise of Percy Brooker in 1985 until 1991. He was elected patron at the end of his presidency until his death in 1998

Norman served a term as president of the NZBBA now (BANZ) from 19?? to 19??

The “Onslow” band was well served with two of its presidents serving at the National level.

He joined the Wellington Municipal Tramways Band as conductor after the Nationals at Wanganui in 1953 and his distinguished career with the band lasted until his death (see conductors).

With his logical and tidy mind he served the band and the movement well with his administrative skills.

He was a fine player, being taught from an early age in the Salvation Army, not only on the cornet but also on the soprano, cornet where he excelled himself in the 1953 New Zealand National band that toured the United States and Britain .

He served in the middle east during World war 2 playing in the band to entertain the forces. It was here that he met his wife Lynn who was a nurse in the area.

He was employed by Shell NZ Limited where he worked in Head Office as an administrator.