Nick Ririnui

Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology Academic Staff Member, Nick Ririnui, is a music educator with over 20 years’ experience teaching musical performance and production, drumming and percussion.

Nick joined our institute in 2013, and currently teaches subjects within our New Zealand Diploma in Music (Level 5) and New Zealand Certificate of Music (Level 4) programmes.

A well-established and widely recognised figure in the local music scene, Nick is a session musician for several Bay of Plenty music artists, and has experience performing across a variety of musical settings, including playing drums and percussion for theatre orchestras.

His industry experience extends to event management; most recently he organised the highly anticipated Krazy Jacks 10 Year Anniversary show in Tauranga, and for more than 10 years he has coordinated numerous events for the Mauao Performing Arts Centre – a Mount Maunganui music academy, where he has also worked as a tutor.

As an educator, Nick believes firmly in adapting his teaching style to meet diverse learning needs, rather than expecting students to fit into one method of learning. He describes his communication style as a down-to-earth balance of "50% street, 50% academic”, which allows him to relate well with students, create an encouraging learning environment, and build ākonga confidence.

Nick emphasises that music is about continuous growth and improvement. "My musical style and technical abilities have changed and improved over time. I’m a vastly different musician now to who I was 10 years ago… you grow, learn new things, and adapt." However, Nick states that tertiary education provides the critical knowledge needed to "fill the gaps" and support students on their journey into successful music industry careers. “Whether that’s as performance musicians, technicians, or across the vast variety of other in-industry career options available.”  

Nick holds a Level 6 Diploma in Music Performance and Production.