Portrait shot of Janet Luka

Janet Luka

Music

  1. Grantee | October 2025

Growing up, I’ve always wanted to challenge expectations and show that being Pacifica doesn’t limit what you can achieve. In 2013, inspired by my father, I joined the Marlborough Brass Band. I was quiet at first, but with guidance from Kevin Moseley, whose encouragement pushed me out of my shell, I began embracing new opportunities. His words, “It may not be in your nature, but you need to show off to the world what it is you are capable of,” have stayed with me ever since.

Since then, I’ve explored a wide range of activities, from choir and jazz band to school productions, volleyball, netball, and serving as a Manutaki. In 2025, I played both the Dragon and Queen Lillian in Shrek the Musical, performed with Ovation Choir at MGC, encouraging more Pacifica students to join, and competed at Cadenza, winning the Te Reo piece and silver overall. I also represented MGC at Southern Jam with MBC, winning gold in the ensemble category. 

Next year, I plan to study a diploma in interior design at Ara, shifting from finance to pursue a creative future. I will continue playing brass, aiming to join Woolston Brass and compete in the 2026 Brass National Championship. Over the next five years, I hope to build a successful career in interior design while striving to be part of the New Zealand Youth BrassBand, gaining experience, mentorship, and performing at a national and international level.