FERNANDO FIGUEROA PEREIRA

BA, PGDipTchg, MMus
Founder of MECnz | Owner of Jazz Shed Studio | FeNa Latino Latin Jazz Band
Educator – Community Leader – Cultural Festivals Producer

Is a Chilean-born educator, musician, and community leader based in Aotearoa New Zealand. He is the founder of MECnz, Jazz Shed Studio, and the FeNa Latino Jazz Band.

A graduate of the Ako Mātātupu Teach First NZ programme, Fernando has taught Spanish and Music at Kapiti College, Paraparaumu College, and Horowhenua College, where he focuses on culturally responsive learning and youth empowerment.

Fernando leads several multicultural initiatives, including the Multicultural Educational Campaign NZ, the Te Hui Ahurea Kanorau – Cultural Diversity Festival, and the Kapiti Coast Multicultural Council (MCMC). He also mentors the Horowhenua–Kāpiti Multicultural Youth Council, supporting young people to become confident community leaders.

As a musician, Fernando has collaborated with Victoria University of Wellington and other tertiary institutions on music projects, performances, and cultural programmes. He also works with UCOL, contributing to education and community engagement through language support. His work has been recognised with the 2019 Kapiti Coast Mayor Citizen Award and the 2025 Wellington Region Community Educational Award.

MULTICULTURAL EDUCATIONAL CAMPAIGNS NZ

Equal in equality, embrace your Culture first to enjoy and learn from the host culture.

Multicultural Educational Campaigns NZ is a community project founded and led by Fernando Figueroa Pereira, recognised as Runner-Up at the Wellington Region Community Awards for its contribution to Education and Children & Youth Development.

The initiative supports a range of community programmes focused on helping newcomers settle successfully into Aotearoa and the New Zealand education system. We provide English classes, cultural orientation, and whānau support for Latin American former refugee families across the Horowhenua–Kāpiti Coast, while also staying attentive to the well-being and needs of the wider community.

One of our key achievements is the creation of the Multicultural Youth Council Horowhenua–Kāpiti, which empowers young people from diverse backgrounds to take leadership, speak out against racism, and promote equity through campaigns such as Give Nothing to Racism. The council offers young leaders a platform to share their voices, strengthen their identity, and connect with other school communities.

Multicultural Educational Campaigns NZ continues to grow as a hub for cultural connection, community support, and youth leadership—helping Aotearoa become a place where every person feels welcomed, valued, and supported.

Go to MEC facebook page

Go to MEC's Instagram page

FEÑA LATINO

Music is life in action – make it yours!

Led by Fernando Figueroa Pereira, FeÑa Latino brings together an international lineup of seasoned musicians, delivering the fiery rhythms of the Spanish-speaking world. From Salsa and Montuno to Brazilian Bossa Nova, the band blends rock, jazz, and traditional sounds into an authentic, unforgettable experience that will make you laugh, cry, and dance.

Feel the energy as their music of life lifts your spirit and gets your feet moving. With FeNa Latino, music is more than sound — it’s life in motion. Make it yours!

In October 2019 he released a new single "I love you New Zealand".

Go to Feña Latino's Facebook page

Go to Feña Latino's SoundCloud page

JAZZ SHED STUDIOS

We love music

Focusing on modern music and improvisation, Fernando Figueroa's studio is offering private music lessons (one-on-one and combo groups). Beginners, intermediate and advanced students welcome.

Instruments: Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Guitar, Electric Guitar, Bass, Keyboard, Piano, Percussion, Music Theory and Jazz Band.

Fernando Figueroa's studio also provides music therapy at the Shed Project Kapiti and Hohepa Kapiti, and music tuition at Paraparaumu College and Kāpiti College.

Go to Jazz Shed Studio's facebook page