Rebecca Nelson
About
There’s more to stunning classical crossover singer Rebecca Nelson than meets the eye.
A proud Kiwi and passionate vocalist, Rebecca enlisted as a reservist in the Royal New Zealand Navy in 2014, where she became the official singer for the RNZN Band. Now holding the rank of Lieutenant, she has had the honour of performing at major military commemorations including Gallipoli, the Somme, and Passchendaele.
Rebecca’s career has taken her to some of the world’s most significant stages from singing at Highgrove House for His Majesty King Charles III during his 70th birthday celebrations, to performing the New Zealand national anthem in front of 82,000 fans at Twickenham before the All Blacks faced England on the eve of the Armistice Centenary.
She has shared the stage with both the Royal Marines and the Band of the Welsh Guards, even recording an album with the latter while in the UK.
Outside of her military service, Rebecca is an accomplished professional singer. In 2016, she signed with Sony Music New Zealand and released her charting album “Poppies & Pohutukawa”, a heartfelt tribute to remembrance and national pride. She is a regular anthem performer at All Blacks Test Matches, having represented five different nations across 18 tests, and in 2022 had the honour of singing the English national anthem at the Women’s Rugby World Cup Final.
Deeply committed to the welfare of first responders, service personnel, and veterans, Rebecca is a former committee member of her local RSA, a Poppy Day Ambassador, and the driving force behind the restoration of military graves at O’Neil’s Cemetery through the New Zealand Remembrance Army.
She is also the founder of Te Kiwi Māia – The Courageous Kiwi, a charitable trust providing rehabilitation, recovery, and respite for NZDF personnel and first responders who have sustained physical or psychological injuries in service to Aotearoa.
info@rebeccanelson.co.nz
Royal New Zealand Navy
Rebecca Nelson has proudly served in the Royal New Zealand Navy since 2014, where she enlisted as a reservist and was appointed the official singer for the RNZN Band. Over the years, she has represented the Navy both at home and abroad, performing at national commemorations, international military events, and high-profile ceremonies including Gallipoli, the Somme, and Passchendaele. Now holding the rank of Lieutenant, Rebecca combines her passion for music with her commitment to service, using her voice to honour the stories, sacrifices, and spirit of those in uniform.
Corporate Work
Rebecca regularly performs at corporate events, charity galas, and formal functions, and is a highly regarded guest speaker known for her authenticity, professionalism, and ability to connect with diverse audiences.
“Sir Wayne and I are Patrons of an amazing charity called Te Kiwi Maia – offering respite care for First Responders. On Sir Wayne’s Tribute night, held on the Northshore of Auckland in front of 500 invited guests, we invited Rebecca Nelson, a Trustee of the charity, to speak which was inspiring. We also had the amazing pleasure to hear her sing. She delivered a stunning, heartfelt performance that had everyone captivated. Ngā mihi ki a koe Rebecca for sharing your wonderful talent with us. He manu tīoriori. Mauri āIO,
Sir Wayne and Lady Jo Shelford”
Charity Work
Rebecca has been deeply involved in the charitable sector for many years. From volunteering with the New Zealand Remembrance Army to serving as a national Poppy Day Ambassador, she has dedicated countless hours to supporting veterans and honouring their service. In recognition of her efforts, she was named the New Zealand Defence Force Volunteer of the Year in 2021. Her commitment to wellbeing led her to co-found Te Kiwi Māia – The Courageous Kiwi, a charitable trust that provides rehabilitation, respite, and recovery for New Zealand’s first responders and Defence Force personnel.
Rebecca Nelson 