Celebrating 50 Years of ‘Mental Notes’ – Students Join Forces with Split Enz
Students from Hamilton East School (ages 9–11), alongside a few local high school musicians, are leading an extraordinary tribute to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Mental Notes, the iconic debut album by Split Enz.
What began as a classroom project has grown into a powerful, creative celebration of one of Aotearoa’s most important bands. The students have painted a tribute mural, conducted interviews with former Split Enz members Wally Wilkinson, Emlyn Crowther, and Noel Crombie – and will be welcoming Mike Chunn on the day for a live Q&A and collaborative performance.
In a one-of-a-kind opportunity, these young musicians will perform selected Split Enz songs alongside founding member Mike Chunn, with their performance to be filmed for Seven Sharp and pressed onto a limited-edition vinyl record.
Fifty years on, it’s clear the legacy of Split Enz is still alive and inspiring a new generation of Kiwi creatives. This is not just a tribute – it’s a celebration of New Zealand music, identity, and rangatahi voice.
Let us know if you’d like photos, video, or interview access with students and staff.
Let’s honour 50 years of Mental Notes – with our kids, with Mike, and with the power of music.
