Graduate's dream of setting up music venture one step closer

Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland graduate Celestial Mareni Brown crossed the stage on 9 September.

With a dual affinity for both numbers and music, Celestial pursued both a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Music degrees. She says it was a proud moment having family present as she was awarded her degrees at the Auckland Town Hall.

Setting up a music school and studio, has been a long-held dream for the Palmerston North young woman, with her focus on Pacific youth and community.

“I want to create a space where young people - especially Pacific youth - can explore music in a way that’s culturally grounded and empowering,” she says. “It’s still a dream in progress, but I’m trusting the journey.”

The eldest of three girls in her family, the New Zealand-born Sāmoan proudly traces her roots to the villages of Afega, Nuusuatia, Letogo, and Solosolo. Both parents serve as senior pastors at the Palmerston North Worship Centre. Her father, Iosefa Faafia Brown, is a secondary school teacher in maths and science, and her mother, Eseta Brown, a dental therapist, is now a stay-at-home mum supporting the family.

“I’ve always seen my parents as my biggest role models,” Celestial says.
“They’ve shown me what it means to serve with humility and love, even while juggling full-time work and ministry.”

Her early years were spent in Manurewa, south Auckland, before the family relocated to Palmerston North in 2012. She says Palmerston North Girls’ High School was an environment she credits with shaping her academic and personal growth.

“It gave me a strong foundation,” she says. “It was there that I first discovered my love for Accounting and began to understand how education could be a tool for service.”

Celestial’s lifelong passion for music is a gift cultivated from childhood through lessons, mentorship and community involvement, and over time has become a cherished outlet of creative expression and worship for her faith.

“My parents enrolled my sisters and me in music lessons from a young age,” she recalls. “Music has always been a way for us to connect with others and give back.”

Gospel and soul music are the multi-instrumentalist’s preferred genre. Primarily a pianist/keyboardist, Celestial also plays guitar, bass, drums and violin. Having composed several pieces during her music studies, Celestial hopes to return to composing more pieces in the future.

Throughout her university journey, Celestial says she was fortunate to be able to lean on the unwavering support of her family.

“They’ve kept me grounded, always reminding me to fai mea uma i le alofa - do everything in love,” she says. “That value has carried me through every season, especially the tough ones.”

Balancing a double major in commerce and music came with its challenges.

“There were moments I wanted to give up,” she admits. “At one point, I had to change my music majors, and it felt like I was starting over. But prayer gave me strength, and my family’s encouragement reminded me why I started.”

Now back home in Palmerston North, Celestial is embracing a new season - one of giving back.

“Living away from home for four and a half years helped me grow, but being able to support my parents financially and serve them again means everything to me.”

Looking ahead, Celestial is working towards Chartered Accountant accreditation (CAANZ) and gaining experience in audit and accounting.