Modern groups are defined here as those that evolved from the 1920s, playing jazz, swing, dixieland, big band, rock and pop. The entertainment industry had a lively following in New Zealand, influenced largely by the music of America. Recording technology made it possible for local musicians to hear the new music and transcribe it for their own bands. People went to cabarets, dance halls and 'dine and dance' venues. Larger bands were often featured as the highlight of these venues. The 'dine and dance' culture died off in the 1960s when recorded music, cheaper than hiring live musicians, took over this environment to a large extent. At the same time, the emergence of rock and pop concerts in larger venues, which generated more money, replaced the more intimate 'dine and dance' environment.

In this section you will find a selection of images depicting these Modern groups.