Women's advocate and prominent figure in NZ music industry Taryn Kljakovic has died at age 36. Photo / Guy Coombes, Viva
Women's advocate and prominent figure in NZ music industry Taryn Kljakovic has died at age 36. Photo / Guy Coombes, Viva
There has been an outpouring of grief after the sudden death of well-respected women’s advocate and prominent figure in New Zealand’s music industry Taryn Kljakovic.
Kljakovic was head of promotions at Sony Music for over a decade, working closely with local and international artists to promote their music.
She wasan advocate of same-sex marriages and fertility, empowering women and mental health support.
Kljakovic died on February 4, 2025. She was 36. In a statement to the Herald on behalf of her family, her sister, Montana Kerr, expressed “deep sorrow over the sudden passing of their daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, wife and mother”.
Kerr said her sister was “now resting peacefully, and her family and closest friends are united in our love and grief”.
Singer Anika Moa posted a heartfelt tribute for Kljakovic on Instagram describing her friend as “a shining star. A taonga. A giving and generous soul. My mate passed away. Love you T. You were enough”.
Friends at The Village – a community space in Herne Bay Kljakovic was connected to – said they were heartbroken at her sudden passing.
“A champion of everyone she met. Always lifting everyone up around her with her sparkly, wild, one-in-a-million approach to bringing people together,” friends said in a post on Facebook.
“She loved the people in her life deeply. Her babies indescribably. From acquaintances to her bestest friends, her net was spread far and wide, bringing the same wisdom, passion and love to everyone.”
Taryn was a strong voice for same-sex marriage and was married to Auckland doctor Sasha Kljakovic. The pair have two children aged 9 and 2.
Northland singer Teeks posted a heartfelt message to Taryn Kljakovic after her death on February 6. Photo / Instagram
Singer and songwriter Te Karehana Gardiner-Toi – aka Teeks – wrote a tribute to Kljakovic thanking her for being “my biggest supporter and advocate but most of all for being an amazing friend”.
Acclaimed American singer-songwriter Parson James wrote on Instagram that he was in “shock, disbelief and pain”.
He paid tribute to Kljakovic as a “superwoman” and said it was her “brilliant idea” to bring him and Kiwi musician Stan Walker together “on a whim” for their version of Tennessee Whiskey.
“TARYN! I want to scream your name to the top of my lungs just in case there’s a chance you can hear me!” wrote James.
“I am in shock, disbelief and pain at the thought of not hearing ... ‘Aw hello my honey’ in your soft and gorgeous Kiwi accent I tried so hard to always mimic.
“You make me feel seen, special, understood and loved in a way I’ve not felt from nearly anyone on this earth.
“I will never recover fully from this feeling. This loss. This ache. You are my sister. I love you so immensely and am indebted to you for showing me so much beauty in this life.”
More than $19,000 has been raised so far through a Givealittle page that has been set up to support her children and family and for her funeral service.
“With unimaginable sadness, we share the passing of our beautiful Taryn – a devoted mother, daughter, wife, granddaughter, niece, cousin, and friend,” says the page, created by a close friend, Keya Wards.
“She was a magic-maker, bringing love, connection and compassion into every space she entered. Her warmth and light were truly irreplaceable, and while our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing her love will always remain with us.”
Kljakovic was “one of a kind, and her presence will be deeply missed”.
She was an outspoken supporter of the Marriage Amendment Act and proudly said her marriage in 2014 was one of the first gay weddings attended by many.
Kljakovic was passionate about empowering women and in 2015 founded Women’s Collective. This initiative aimed to create a platform for women to connect, share experiences and engage in meaningful conversations. Women’s Collective hosted monthly meet-ups and utilised social media to foster a supportive community.
More recently, Kljakovic was the founder of Ok Now World which she described as an artful business & meaningful impact agency and also oknowladies – a dance initiative empowering women through movement to music.
