Celebrating 1 year of ema botany

We can't quite believe it has been 1 year since opening the doors of EMA Botany. 

EMA Botany was our biggest challenger yet, with 2 years of planning followed by 6 months of fitting out the space to match the vibe, aesthetic, and equipment of our Albany and Grafton academies.

There were many challenges along the way. Although this was our 3rd time setting up an academy, we faced every challenge a new business encounters. However, we persevered and now have a vibrant and thriving location with 150 students attending each week, and this is just the beginning! 

It was an honour to be awarded “Highly Commended” Best New Business last month at the East Auckland Business Awards. It saw us reflect on what was a crazy year, a reminder that we are so grateful that we get to do what we love each and every day and the opportunity to give back and make a positive impact in our communities.

Botany Town Centre is an incredible community and we are so proud to be a part of it and it’s been a joy taking part in community events. In the past year students have performed multiple times in the town centre and our relationship with Botany Town Centre's Library has seen us host Drumming, Pre School and Songwriting workshops during NZ Music Month 2025, something that we will repeat this May! 

A special mention also goes to the 10 teachers who have taught at Botany over the past 12 months. Some of these teachers went above and beyond by supporting our vision and travelling to Botany for just a few students at a time while their schedules built up. You are all amazing! 

None of this would have been possible without the support of our partners NZ Rockshop, the amazing Botany Town Centre/Dexus team, Abla Interiors and our families and friends who helped us set up gear, hang pictures and supported us in many long days and nights. We love you all! 

We are so excited for the next 12 months and thank you all for supporting us during this huge development in EMA's journey.