US Marine Corps Band’s 2026 ANZAC Tour Delights Audiences Across New Zealand
The 2026 visit by the United States Marine Corps Forces Pacific Band was another outstanding success for the Kāpiti US Marines Trust, drawing enthusiastic crowds and strengthening the long-standing friendship between New Zealand and the United States.
Now in its fourth consecutive year supporting ANZAC commemorations in New Zealand, the Hawaii-based USMC MARFORPAC Band toured Wellington, Kāpiti, Wairarapa and Ohakea during an intensive week of performances and community events.
Led by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Aaron Carpenter and Master Sergeant Monica Preston, the 27-member ensemble showcased a wide range of musical styles including Concert Band, Jazz Combo, Brass Quintet, New Orleans-style Brass Band and Rock/Pop Band performances.
The tour began with a public concert at Old St Paul’s in Wellington before moving to Paraparaumu for the ANZAC Day commemorations. More than 1,500 people attended the Dawn Service, with the Marines marching alongside New Zealand veterans and service personnel before sharing breakfast at the RSA.
The hugely popular “Marines on the Beach” concert was one of the highlights of the visit. The New Orleans-style Brass Band made a lively entrance before the Rock/Pop Band had audiences of all ages dancing enthusiastically. A combined finale with the Kāpiti Brasso Pipe Band drew a warm response from the crowd.
The Marines also visited Paekākāriki, where they toured important WWII heritage sites including Camp Russell and later entertained a packed audience at Paekākāriki Memorial Hall.
School performances at Wairarapa College and Ōtaki College brought live music to hundreds of students, many of whom ended the concerts dancing in the aisles. A visit to RNZAF Base Ohakea included concerts for service personnel and military families as well as a traditional pōwhiri welcome.
The Kāpiti US Marines Trust thanks all volunteers, schools, veterans, host organisations and community supporters who helped make the 2026 tour possible.
While there is no confirmation yet of a return visit in 2027, this year’s tour once again demonstrated the enduring goodwill, friendship and shared history between New Zealand and the United States Marine Corps.