The history of the NZ Army Band starts in 1957 with Battalions Bands. These bands were normally made up from Infantrymen who had some musical background, and it was the task of each unit Bandmaster to meld this collection of individuals into an efficient musical group.

It wasn't until 1964 that the band became fully professional with the recruitment of experienced musicians.  Potential recruits coming from the amateur Brass Band Association and the idea of a professional Band was a new concept for most Bandsmen in New Zealand.

From 1965, members of the New Zealand Army Band were frequently posted to the Band of the 1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, firstly to Terendak Camp in Malaysia and then Singapore from 1969. This began the bi-annual postings between South East Asia and New Zealand that would continue until December 1988, when the 1 RNZIR Band was disestablished and members returned to the New Zealand Army Band.

Throughout the New Zealand Army Band's history, it has played an active role for many illustrious occasions.  These include participation in both Commonwealth Games held in New Zealand, Christchurch in 1974 and Auckland in 1990, the VJ Day 50th Anniversary celebrations in 1995 and a featured performance at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo at Wellington's Westpac Stadium in 2000.  Such events were in addition to performing at official welcomes for foreign dignitaries at Parliament, at official engagements at Government House and at international sporting events.

A popular destination for the New Zealand Army Band has been Australia, with the 1988 Bi-Centennial Tattoo and repeat visits to the Brisbane Arts Festival Tattoo, the Perth Royal Show and the Great ANZAC Military Tattoo in Sydney. 

In 1991 the Band went to Greece and Crete to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Crete and in 1995 travelled to Washington DC to participate in the unveiling ceremonies of the Korean War Memorial.  2002 saw the NZ Army Band perform at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Scotland and in 2004 the band travelled to Wonju, Korea to participate in the Wonju Tattoo, which featured military bands from ten countries. In 2005  the band performed at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo's Salute to Australia in Sydney and in 2006 the band undertook a repeat tour to Scotland as the guest band for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. 2007 saw the band perform at the Military Musical Festival in Modena, Italy and the Basil Tattoo in Switzerland, and in 2008 the band travelled to Tonga for the King of Tonga's Coronation.

The NZ Army Band is an important part of the NZ Army culture and heritage, and is renowned for its professional attitude and high standards.  It continues a tradition of excellence wherever it goes.