Huawei 100 Piano Project A Great Success

Huawei’s 100 Piano Project was unveiled at Rongomai School in Otara and the last piano was given away by the Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at Kowhai Intermediate on Aug 2018. There are total 100 brand new Pearl River pianos were donated to deciles 1-7 schools nationwide. 

Huawei New Zealand Director of Public Affairs, Andrew Bowater, said the 100 Piano’s Project was about inspiring the imaginations and creativity of young New Zealanders.
 “Music is a great way for kids to be creative while also helping with their learning. There is so much technology in today’s world, but it is still so important that we expose the next generation to music and the opportunities it can open up. 

“Play it Strange has been at the forefront of encouraging young New Zealanders to embrace music for over a decade, so it was a natural partnership for us. We hope that this donation and partnership will help Kiwi kids achieve even more academically while also embracing the future world of smart technology by encouraging them to be imaginative through the playing and creation of music.” 

Mike Chunn, CEO of Play It Strange said “The piano is a great foundation instrument. It brings melody, chords, rhythm all together and provides a song writing template like no other. It is wonderful that Huawei has the vision that parallels this and 100 pianos will be heading to primary and intermediate schools later in the year. Our Play It Strange ‘100 Piano Project’ competition is a creative one and we believe many entries will come in. It’s an exciting time!”

On the day of receiving the Piano present by Huawei and Play It Strange, Rongomai School Teacher, Lui Fauolo, said “It is truly humbling and we, at Rongomai School, will be forever grateful and indebted to you. The implications are limitless. These children have hidden talents left, right and centre and with this piano, I am certain that many of these talents will come out of hiding for the world to see. We cannot thank Huawei and Play it Strange enough.”

Kaipara College, Helensville School, Kaukapakapa School, Parakai School, Waimauku School, Woodhill School, Waioneke School, Riverhead School, Huapai District School, Wainui School, each received a brand new Pearl River Piano, handed over by the new MP for Helensville, Chris Penk on December 8 2017.  

Kaipara Deputy Principal , Nick Roberts, said “Music is BIG at Kaipara College, and it is truly amazing these local schools will receive a brand new piano from Huawei, that’s very generous. Our students have so much potential and talent and will hopefully be inspired further with these pianos. I am certain that many students will embrace these and shine even brighter.”