About Us

We are Garden Music, a small shop in Thames, on the Coromandel Peninsula in Aotearoa.
Born out of the love of the arts, Garden Music was formed to support the music scene on the peninsula and beyond, selling instruments and musical accessories to the rohe (region).

We facilitate workshops, manage artists, run events, and promote music any way we can! 

We are a registered Safe Space, and do all we can to ensuring that everyone feels supported in all we do here.
As a queer owned/operated business here in Aotearoa, we hope you can find solace in our of mission of inclusiveness, kindness, and integrity.

None of us are free until all of us are free.
Free Palestine, Free Congo, Free Sudan, Free all those who are oppressed.






Donny Paton Owner

Donny is the owner and manager of Garden Records, where they work as workshop facilitator, band/musician mentor, and itinerant music tutor.
They are a board member for Creative Coromandel, the central arts network for the area.
Donny does all they can to support the music, specialising in working with rangatahi, empowering them to write, play, and perform their original music, and creating safe collaborative spaces to do so.
Donny is the lead singer and guitarist of Slumbug, a prominent band in NZ's underground scene,  drummer and vocalist in shed-punk trio Commodore 65, alongside endless other bands and musical projects.








Joshua Armstrong Creative Director

Joshua is the Creative Director at Garden Records, where they work as event manager, promoter, and marketing designer.
They bring their background in graphic design and events to Garden Music, organising gigs, designing posters and promoting musicians in the area.
From running two venues in Thames, Joshua enjoys bringing and hosting new bands and artists to the area, as well as running band management for local bands wanting to promote themselves.
Joshua is the bassist for blues-punk losers The Dicks, and on vocals and keys for Commodore 65, as well as other projects, playing consistently around the country.






Luke Kennedy Digital Merchandising Manager

Luke is the Manager of Digital Merchandising, running all the back end of the website, as well as day-to-day management of the bricks and mortar retail store. 
Luke is passionate about music, and as such, is the go-to person for great music recommendations.
They have come from a retail background, and along with a wholesome moral compass and genuine care, Luke brings this and much more to the table at Garden Music.


Ciara Bernstein