te anau ukulele festival
Come and see all that Te Anau has to offer and over 3 1/2 days experience our amazing workshops, TUF cafe strums and a range of different locations throughout the township .
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Jackie Knowles
TUF Committee Founder & Director/TUFCT Secretary & Trustee Jackie is a Registered Paediatric and District Nurse, mother of two, and the Festival Committee Founder/Director of the Te Anau Ukulele Festival TUF22/TUF24/TUF26. And creator of Te Anau Ukulele Festival Charitable Trust -TUFCT in December 2025. Nine years ago, she discovered the ukulele and quickly developed a deep passion for this magical little four stringed instrument and the community connection it creates. What began as a personal interest has grown into a meaningful journey of fun, friendships, participation, creativity, and wellbeing for Te Anau and anywhere she goes. Through playing the ukulele, Jackie has experienced firsthand the positive impact live music can have—bringing people together, building confidence, and creating joy through shared experiences. She has created her own local band called “From The Top”, which loves to play at local events and parties. She continues to develop her skills while fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for others. Always sharing new techniques and the love of a new song to arrange in the band. First and foremost having endless fun. Inspired by both her love of live music and her home in Te Anau, Jackie founded the Te Anau Ukulele Festival - TUF to connect people through music and celebrate community connection and spirit. The festival is designed to be accessible and culturally inclusive, offering opportunities for participation at all ages stages and levels—from beginners to experienced artists—while showcasing the unique cultural and natural environment of Te Anau - Fiordland - New Zealand. Jackie is passionate about creating an event that encourages participation, education, cultural diversity, strengthens community connections, and provides lasting positive experiences long after TUF for both locals, national and international artists and attendees. With the massive desire to put Te Anau on the Worldwide map and creating TUF to be a must attend event every time!
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