Season's Greetings

Tēnā koe, greetings of the season to you,
 
2024 has been quite a year on many fronts, and we would like to thank you for your interest in Kāhui St David’s, and for being a part of this story.  It’s a beautiful thing that’s happening here – and it’s only possible due to your support. 
 
We have held and enabled numerous successful musical and performing arts-based events and programmes, and created valuable opportunities for musicians and for diverse audiences.  It was also an honour to host two beautiful funeral and tribute services.  We are looking forward to the first weddings at Kāhui St David's in the New Year!  Weddings and funerals here also support musicians.
 
We are delighted to be developing further exciting programmes that will see the building begin to serve its fullest potential for the whole Auckland region.  
 
Kāhui St David’s is already making a difference. Our inspiration, and aspiration, is to make the world a better place, on our watch, to meet the hopes and dreams of those who have served this country at war and through peacekeeping.  We will remember them.

Save the date

Please mark the evening of 24 April in your calendar: The Art of Remembrance 2025 (Anzac Eve, the night before Anzac Day).  To make this event possible, we are reaching out now for expressions of interest to sponsors and donors for support.  It means a lot to Veterans.  Please donate, help as a volunteer, or purchase an artwork.  It is now a much-loved remembrance tradition - but we do need help in 2025 to deliver it.

Passing of Sir Bom Gillies KNZM

It is with regret that we mark the passing of Sir Bom Gillies KNZM, the last living member of the 28th Māori Battalion.  We send our condolences to the whānau of Sir Bom and the Battalion.
 
In the words of Lieutenant-General Bernard Freyberg, who commanded the 2nd NZ Division, 'no infantry battalion had a more distinguished record, or saw more fighting, or, alas, had such heavy casualties as the Māori Battalion.'
 
It was with the blessings of Sir Bom that a plaque to honour the 28th was installed in the Great Hall, nearby the plaques dedicated to the 29th and 30th Infantry Battalions.  Whānau of the 28th Māori Battalion, and all Veterans: the  Lamp of Remembrance is illuminated here every day, for you.

mage courtesy Jessica Chloe Photography

Sara Hughes Colour Quartet taking flight!

There remain only three full sets to purchase before Christmas, and a small number available in the New Year. That will conclude an incredibly successful project. Artistically outstanding, and the funds raised have illuminated, and made the place functional, and are making it possible to get through what is an incredibly challenging time for the charitable, musical, community and heritage sectors.  We are all four!  

Big thanks to all who have been able to purchase the Colour Quartet artworks. Special thanks to Sara Hughes and to Gow Langsford Gallery for your generosity.

Discover The Pattern Project from Sara Hughes !

We're excited to share this great project with you - The Pattern Project, a fundraiser for Owairaka Primary School's Garden to Table programme.

The Pattern Project Totes that are available, feature imagery from the unique 200sqm pavement artwork that was led by Sara Hughes and painted by all the children at Owairaka Primary School in 2021. This bag celebrates children’s creativity and the various cultures represented in the school. All funds raised from purchase of the bags go directly to support the school’s wonderful Garden to Table programme where children learn to grow vegetables and cook healthy food.

We invite you to support Sara and the children of Owairaka Primary School - such a wonderful Christmas present idea!

Star Volunteer

Each newsletter, we love to share with you the incredible work being done by volunteers.  A star volunteer for 2024 is Christopher Goldsmith. Pure gold, in fact!
 
Chris has worked tirelessly – just about every weekend this past year – restoring the 1905 Croft Pipe Organ. He has led a team of volunteers to clean all 1000 pipes, from 25mm to several metres tall. Chris has restored bellows, pipes, slides, copper wires, introduced new wind pipes, fixed countless broken parts, and tuned it back to life.
 
This organ is now amongst the great pipe organs of this country.  It has breadth, depth, subtlety, and voices of many choirs and instruments all in one!  Here’s to you Chris: thank you.

Greetings of the Season

Merry Christmas, and however you celebrate at this time of the year, we send you, your family and friends, all the best of the season.  Our thoughts are also with those in war-torn places. 

Quoting from The Music of Silence by David Steindle-Rast:  'As the Paulist motto has it, "It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness."  What candles can we light?'
 
From Kāhui St David’s – the living memorial – we wish you peace.

Kāhui St David's for you

Spring has sprung, and we would love to share some news, and, if you are in Auckland, to invite you to a very beautiful event on Monday evening.
 
As you can see, Kāhui St David’s is now open, and ready to serve.  Concerts, events, gatherings and celebrations. 
 
We have been honoured to host a funeral service, a fitting remembrance celebration of an artist's life.  The building was filled with art. 
 
We are delighted that Kāhui St David’s will be hosting two weddings in the New Year.  For weddings and funerals at Kāhui St David’s, we ask that musicians be engaged to share their art, and to support sustainable careers in music.

Kāhui St David's is for you 

Big thanks to each of the outstanding musicians who feature in this video that captures what Kāhui St David’s means to music in Auckland. Videography by Deep Green.

Ka mua ka muri 

An awesome event and project, Ka Mua Ka Muri brought the incredibly talented winners and friends of SUSO – Stand Up Stand Out live to Kāhui St David’s. 

Celebrate Matariki at Kāhui St David's

Matariki at Kāhui St David's 

The rise of the Matariki star cluster in the winter skies above Aotearoa is an important time in the Māori calendar, as it signifies the start of the Māori new year.  

Historically, new year celebrations provided the opportunity for whānau to come together to acknowledge the year gone by, prepare and plan for the year ahead; to celebrate with kai, kōrero, ceremony and entertainment. For a time, these celebrations were only acknowledged and celebrated by iwi, but at the beginning of the 21st century a cultural renaissance occurred, making knowledge of this special time of the year an important part of New Zealand’s history. Today, everyone in Aotearoa has the opportunity to celebrate the unique places we live in, show respect for the land we live on, and to share and grow together through traditions that continue each year, with the support of kaupapa (causes, initiatives) like Matariki.

Matariki Festival 2024 dates are from 29th June to 2nd July, beginning with a public holiday on Friday 28th June.

At Kāhui St David's we're seeing in the Matariki New Year early, with a free event for all - PAPA, this Saturday.  Please see the event invitation below.   It's here for us all to celebrate, together in the Great Hall, with hospitality to follow in the North Chapel.

Celebrate Matariki at Kāhui St David's with the Ōrakei Marae Weavers Group. 

nspired by the model of our nationally-renowned World of Wearable Arts event, PAPA will showcase the cultural craft making and creativity of whānau and weavers. 

A FREE event for communities across the Auckland region to come together for a memorable experience of music, performance, weaving, art and fashion.
 

Saturday 8th June, 2024, 1pm – 3pm. 
Kāhui St David’s, 70 Khyber Pass Road, Grafton
Hospitality provided.

RSVP to contact@kahuistdavids.nz
 

This event is part of the 2024 Matariki Festival and is supported by Creative Communities Scheme and Auckland Council.

Celebrate Music Month at Kāhui St David's this weekend.

Doors open - for music, warmth and celebration.

With the doors of Kāhui St David's now open and the heating on,  we're excited to be taking part in the NZ Music Month celebrations for the first time.  We've two events taking place this weekend.  

The brilliant Helen Lukman-Fox and friends will play the great 1905 Croft Pipe Organ, which currently relies on frequent running repairs!  Proceeds will go toward the restoration of the organ.  See MusicBox invitation below.

And, for those of you who were astounded by the performances of En Passant (Charles Lia) and Juga  (Jazmin Ugapo) at Kāhui St David's last year,  now is your chance to hear them perform again, for Ka Mua Ka Muri!  A collaboration with Auckland Council.

If you missed Gold & Green – the celebration of Christmas, art and the sparkling musical future of Kāhui St David’s – or would to experience it again – check out this video by Deep Animation which captures that special night.

Celebrate New Zealand Music Month at Kāhui St David's

New Zealand Music Month is an initiative run by the NZ Music Commission that takes place each May.  Put simply, the purpose of NZ Music Month is to celebrate music from New Zealand, and the people who make it. 

Read on for full event details.

MusicBox presents an opportunity to experience being inside a musical instrument... the Great Hall of Kāhui St David's.  Hear the stunning 1905 Croft pipe organ played by the brilliant and charming Helen Lukman-Fox.  Diverse pieces, that Helen will perform with friends to transport you on a Sunday afternoon.  

Please share with your friends. Suitable for all ages. Proceeds will support the restoration of the organ which currently needs weekly work to keep it singing!

Tickets $25

Tickets can be purchased at the door from 1.30pm on the 26th, or pre-ordered from Eventfinda.

Ka Mua Ka Muri te iho auaha is a whakataukī/māori proverb that loosely means to walk backwards into the future. This is referencing knowing where you’re from to know where you’re going.
 
Ka Mua Ka Muri is a music program that was established in 2022 to showcase emerging Auckland musical talent through online platforms. During NZ Music Month, for the very first time, you will be able to experience it live. Join us on Saturday, May 25th, for "Ka Mua Ka Muri Live" at Kāhui St David's, featuring emerging artists from across Tāmaki Makaurau.
 
This year's artists include SUSO 2023 alumni and winners En Passant and Juga, alongside local jazz singer Crystal Chen, hip-hop emcee Brandn Shiraz from the Young Gifted and Broke/Risera artist collectives, and multi-award-winning R&B singer Sam V.
 
A free event brought to you by Auckland Council with support from Auckland UNESCO City of Music, Auckland Live, and Kāhui St David's as part of NZ Music Month.

We're looking forward to hosting these talented young musicians, and  welcoming back Charles Lia (aka En Passant) and Jazmin Ugapo (aka Juga) who performed at our Gold & Green event last December. 

Save the date - Matariki at Kāhui St David's. 

Friday 7th June - Sunday 9th June - 

PAPA Papatūānuku | Whakapapa 

In celebration of Matariki 2024, the Ōrākei Marae Weavers Group are holding an event at Kāhui St David's, both with, and for, communities across the Auckland region to come together for a memorable experience of music, performance, weaving, art and fashion.

Inspired by the model of our nationally-renowned Wearable Arts event, PAPAwill showcase the cultural craft making and creativity of whānau and weavers.   This event has received a funding contribution from Creative Communities Scheme Auckland and the Auckland Council Regional Arts and Culture Grants Programme. 

THANK YOU 

We look forward to sharing these diverse, inspiring events with you.

We thank you for your interest, and your support in all ways.   Your presence at Kāhui St David's events is also a gift.  Whether as audience, musician, volunteer or other roles - your presence makes Kāhui St David's a special place for all.  

Thank you for being part of this exciting journey with the Trust.

Thanks for coming together for Anzac

On Anzac Eve 2024 we came together

For Anzac Eve, the Great Hall of the Soldiers' Memorial Church was filled to capacity and glowed red and gold.  A night of remembrance.  The music from the newly-installed sound system, the soaring 1905 pipe organ played by Helen Lukman-Fox, taonga  puōro of Horomona Horo, bagpipes David Harvey,  guitar and piano Ed Waaka, The Off Broadway Big Band with Michelle Thorne vocalist, and 400 voices in the pews!

Kaumātua Tautoko Witika gave an inspiring welcome, and Lieutenant Colonel Jones delivered a memorable address, asking us all to continue to say the names of those who have died in war.  The theme was continued by Brian How, President of the 28th Māori Battalion Association Auckland, who shared what the 28th Māori Battalion still means to the people of Europe.    

Whaea Dolly Urlich, 100, together with Kaumātua Ron Baker unveiled the plaque of remembrance for the 28th Māori Battalion.  The Ode was recited by Sir Bom Gillies KNZM, 100, the last member of the 28th Māori Battalion, together with Graham Judge, Chair of the Trust. 

We will Remember Them.

After 1.5 years of restoration work, the night also marked the re-opening of Kāhui St David's centre for music and community.  The Great Hall and North Chapel are available for bookings - events, gatherings, funerals and weddings.

We thank the Waitematā Local Board and Uptown business association for their financial support of The Art of Remembrance 2024.   

We thank those who are ordering the Sara Hughes Colour Quartet artworks www.KahuiStDavids.nz.  

And for the individuals and trusts supporting the restoration work, and the businesses providing pro-bono support.  Look up the businesses below, and please support them.

The photos below capture the evening, and the news features we are grateful for. 

Celebrate Te Marama Puoro o Aotearoa - New Zealand Music Month with us this May! Save the dates 25th and 26th for two musical events at Kāhui St David's.  

A Legacy Project And Gift For The Future

Anzac at Kāhui St David's will be remembered as a time when we all came together to honour and remember the collective story of our past, and experience how this building will touch the lives of so many more in the years to come.  We are all a part of the Kāhui St David's community now. 

Anzac eve inspired several people to reach out and ask how they can be more involved, and support this legacy project into the future. 

There are many ways to be involved...

A donation

As a charitable trust any donations received will receive a tax rebate. On receiving your donation we will provide you with a donation receipt. As a one-off, or a regular contribution, your support is welcome.

To make a donation, you can make a deposit into the Trust’s bank account 38-9016-0530912-00. You can choose to donate yearly, monthly or make a one-off donation via Paypal:  paypal to Friend's of St David's Trust.  The Trust is registered with the New Zealand Charities Commission, registration CC51428.

Leave a gift in your will  

Every decision on the building's restoration, and on the new purpose within it, is made with the long-term in mind. A bequest is a generous way for you to make a lasting contribution for the benefit of future generations. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss your plans before you commit them to a will to ensure we can meet your wishes. For further information click here. 

Purchase an Artwork of Remembrance - Colour Quartet, Sara Hughes

"Let's all get behind this amazing project, which is inspiring for community and remembrance" - Sara Hughes, artist
Proceeds from sales of Sara's artwork go towards the restoration of Kāhui St David's. To view & purchase, click here.

As a business 

Whatever you do, please reach out. With a project of this magnitude, we are always looking for additional support from businesses who would like to make a contribution of their time or expertise. 

As a volunteer 

Would you like to be involved in an active capacity? Gardening, polishing plaques, upholstering furniture.  As well as your ideas, introductions, skills and stories. To register your interest please fill in our Volunteer Form. 

Become a Friend of Kāhui St David's 

We will keep you up-to-date with our newsletters & invitations. If you are receiving this newsletter this means you've already subscribed to our newsletters, but did you know we are on facebook, instagram, linkedin and have a youtube channel? Links to each are in the footer of this email. 

Make a booking

After 1.5 years of restoration work, Kāhui St David's has reopened as a centre for music & community.  The Great Hall & North Chapel are available for bookings - gatherings, funerals and weddings, via our booking & enquiry Form. Venue bookings will contribute to the operational sustainability of our centre.

For all enquiries simple send us an email to - contact@kahuistdavids.nz

EVENT PHOTO ALBUM

NEWS MEDIA COVERAGE

NEWSHUB

NewsHub, shared this story 'Twenty-eighth Māori Battalion honoured with a special event in Auckland ahead of Anzac Day.  "What we need to do is keep talking about it. Things get lost but it's part of our history, part of our whakapapa." - Kaumātua Ron Baker (Major John Baker's son) 

 

TeKarere

TeKarere, TVNZ, shared this in-depth story in Te Red Māori and in English and captures some of the highlights, including the unveiling of the 28th Māori Battalion plaque, Sir Bom Gillies KNZM reciting The Ode and the music of Horomona Horo and Ed Waaka.

TeKarere  also published this article prior to the event. 

SARAH HUGHES ARTWORK - NEW VIDEO AND UPDATE

Big thanks to Jeff Smith for creating this stunning video that captures the inspiration behind the Sara Hughes Colour Quartet artworks.

"Let's all get behind this amazing project, which is inspiring for
community and remembrance" 
 Sara Hughes

CLICK HERE to order your artwork of remembrance.

If you have already purchased an artwork - thank you!  

Orders made before March are being delivered now.  Current orders will be delivered in July.  If you selected 'delivery', you will receive an email confirmation when the artwork is on its way.  If you selected 'collect', we will confirm the collection days with you directly, very soon.  

We thank Sara Hughes for the glorious artworks, and Gow Langsford Gallery for their support.

Patrons Honour Board

The Patrons' Honours Boards for the years 2014 - 2023 are now up, in gold leaf on oak.  Names we celebrate!  It is thanks to these generous individuals, businesses, trusts and other entities that St David's Memorial Church, and Kāhui St David's, exist and are serving the New Zealand public.

With thanks to Veryan Faye for designing, and overseeing the creation, of these objects of beauty.  The proportions for the Vestibule, detailing, oak grain, colour and finish are superb.  Thank you Veryan!

Priority Restoration Items

There are three key items that will enable Kāhui St David's to be fully functional.  If you, or someone you know can help out with the purchase of any of these, that would be wonderful.

The Kāhui St David's Tartan

Developed by artist Sara Hughes, Source Mondial and the Trust, this durable, woollen Axminster-weave carpet is inspired by the building’s Scottish heritage, and its inspiring musical future. The greens of Aotearoa and Scotland, magenta for celebration, gold for the warmth of the sun and brass of remembrance.  This carpet will replace stained, worn-out carpets and transform the experience of the ground-floor lobby, stairs, North Chapel and shared spaces, to support the Trust's pathway to financial self-sustainability.  

Investment:  $97,000

Note: The Kāhui St David's carpet is also available to order for your home or office.  Your order will support the Trust's purchase of the carpet for Kāhui St David's.  The above image is a sample piece.

Kitchen-bar for the Vestibule

Image:  Bar-kitchen design by Veryan Faye

A key part of Kāhui St David’s will be hospitality.  The only alcohol-free venue of its type, we will serve the most delicious, remarkable, alcohol-free wine, beer, kombucha, and other beverages to make your experience of this place marvellous!  Revenue from this bar-with-a-difference will help sustain the costs of running Kāhui St David’s.  

Big thanks to Veryan Faye for their design work.

Investment needed:  $25,000 ($5,000 dishwasher, $2,000 zip, $5,000 glasses, cabinetry, installation, plus a second-hand fridge) 

Tower stairs for Gallery access

Image: Great Hall with the Gallery mirrored in the grand piano

On Anzac Eve it became clear that we need the Gallery open, so everyone has a seat!   And that means restoration of the Tower stairs for access.  This restoration would also enable access to the only toilet at the level of the Vestibule (main lobby), which would be helpful for everyone. 

Investment needed:  $75,000

If you are in a position to help with any of these items, in full or in part, please email us contact@kahuistdavids.nz Thank you!

Celebrate New Zealand Music Month WITH US THIS MAY

Ka Mua Ka Muri te iho auaha is a whakataukī/māori proverb that loosely means to walk backwards into the future. This is referencing knowing where you’re from to know where you’re going.
 
Ka Mua Ka Muri" is a music program that was established in 2022 to showcase emerging Auckland musical talent through online platforms. During NZ Music Month, for the very first time, you will be able to experience it live. Join us on Saturday, May 25th, for "Ka Mua Ka Muri Live" at Kāhui St David's, featuring emerging artists from across Tāmaki Makaurau.
 
This year's artists include SUSO 2023 alumni and winners En Passant and Juga, alongside local jazz singer Crystal Chen, hip-hop emcee Brandn Shiraz from the Young Gifted and Broke/Risera artist collectives, and multi-award-winning R&B singer Sam V.
 
A free event brought to you by Auckland Council with support from Auckland City of Music, Auckland Live, and Kāhui St David's as part of NZ Music Month.

We're looking forward to hosting these talented young musicians, and  welcoming back Charles Lia (aka En Passant) who performed at our Gold & Green event last December. 

MusicBox presents an opportunity to experience being inside a musical instrument... the Great Hall of Kāhui St David's.  Hear the stunning 1905 Croft pipe organ played by the brilliant and charming Helen Lukman-Fox. Diverse pieces, that Helen will perform with friends to transport you on a Sunday afternoon.  

Mark your calendar, and please share with your friends. Suitable for all ages. Proceeds will support the restoration of the organ which currently relies on frequent running repairs!  Tickets at the door.

THANK YOU

We thank you for your interest, and your support in all ways.  Including for reading all the way to this point!   Your presence at Kāhui St David's events is also a gift.  Whether as audience, musician, volunteer or other roles - your presence makes Kāhui St David's a special place for all.  

Thank you for being part of this exciting journey with the Trust.

We will remember them - Anzac at Kāhui St David's

ANZAC EVE SERVICE We will remember them Wednesday 24 April, 6.00pm - 7.30pm

Please join us on ANZAC Eve (the night before Anzac Day) to Remember Them. This year, we will also honour the 28th Māori Battalion in the company of very special guests.

Experience the magnificent acoustics of your newest centre for music - Kāhui St David's, with performances by musicians Horomona Horo (taonga pūoro), David Harvey (bagpipes), Ed Waaka (piano and vocal), Helen Lukman-Fox (pipe organ) and The Off Broadway Big Band.

We look forward to opening the green doors, and to welcoming you into the newly restored, warm and glowing Great Hall.

Please share this invitation with friends and family. If you are a veteran or a current member of the NZDF, please let us know.  Also, if you have any special access needs, we are here to assist.  Email contact@KahuiStDavids.nz

ANZAC DAY - OPEN DAY 
Thursday 25 April, 11.00 - 2.00pm

Can't come for ANZAC Eve? Join us on ANZAC Day to see through the building, and view the Sara Hughes artworks in the North Chapel.

In 2015 we established The Art of Remembrance, the first of what has become an annual, artistic project to honour all who have served this country at war and in peacekeeping.  The current Art of Remembrance, visual art project, is Colour Quartet by Sara Hughes.

Bring home your artwork of remembrance to support the preservation of the Soldiers’ Memorial Church & its new life as Kāhui St David’s – for inspiration, community, and remembrance. 

Watch our video below to learn more about the project and to pre-order your own Sara Hughes Colour Quartet artwork visit kahuistdavids/artofremembrance  

WATCH: The Art of Remembrance – Colour Quartet by Sara Hughes

We are a small, fully independent, charitable Trust dedicated to the restoration of St David's for the community.  We are grateful for the generous support of our patrons, donors and our community of volunteers and supporters. 

If you would like to give a koha to support this event,  please click the MAKE A DONATION button below or email contact@saintdavidsfriends.org.nz  

BECOME A KĀHUI ST DAVID'S VOLUNTEER

If you would like to contribute to the Trust’s work as a volunteer, please let us know!  Specific opportunities coming up include:

ANZAC Eve, Wednesday 24 April – any time during the day or in the evening for The Art of Remembrance event.

With a nigh-on 100 year-old building, and a music centre in development, there is always plenty to be done.  It’s a special project that attracts awesome people. 

To express your interest in becoming a Kāhui St Davdi's volunteer please complete our short - VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION FORM 

INVITATION ANZAC EVE | GRATITUDE

Every year we pledge to Remember Them.  The question is, how?

Please join us on ANZAC Eve (the night before Anzac Day) to Remember Them.   This year, we will also honour the 28th Māori Battalion.  Sir Bom Gillies KNZM, who served with B Company, 28th Battalion in World War II, has given his blessings for a plaque to be installed in the Great Hall.  This will be placed nearby those honouring the 29th and 30th Infantry Battalions.

ANZAC Eve 2024 will be an historic event, and an evening of inspiring music, moving image and warm hospitality in the company of very special guests.  Experience the  magnificent acoustics of your newest centre for music - Kāhui St David's, with performances by musicians Horomona Horo (taonga pūoro), David Harvey (bagpipes), Ed Waaka (piano and vocal), Helen Lukman-Fox (pipe organ) and The Off Broadway Big Band. 

Join us afterwards for hot soup, fried bread and home made ANZAC biscuits.

We look forward to opening the green doors, and to welcoming you into the newly restored, warm and glowing Great Hall.  

We will Remember Them.

ANZAC EVE SERVICE
We will Remember Them
Wednesday 24 April, 6.00pm - 7.30pm

Share this invitation with friends and family.  If you are a veteran or a current member of the NZDF, please let us know.  Also, if you have any special access needs, we are here to assist.  Email contact@KahuiStDavids.nz

ANZAC DAY - OPEN DAY 
Thursday 25 April, 11.00 - 2.00pm

Can't come for ANZAC Eve? Join us on ANZAC Day to see through the building, and view the Sara Hughes artworks in the North Chapel.

In 2015 we established The Art of Remembrance, the first of what has become an annual, artistic project to honour all who have served this country at war and in peacekeeping.  The current Art of Remembrance, visual art project, is Colour Quartet by Sara Hughes. Learn more about the project at kahuistdavids/artofremembrance 

We are a small, fully independent, charitable Trust dedicated to the restoration of St David's for the community.  We are grateful for the generous support of our patrons, donors and our community of volunteers and supporters. 

If you would like to give a koha to support this event,  please click the MAKE A DONATION button below or email contact@saintdavidsfriends.org.nz  

BECOME A KĀHUI ST DAVID'S VOLUNTEER

If you would like to contribute to the Trust’s work as a volunteer, please let us know!  Specific opportunities coming up include:

ANZAC Eve, Wednesday 24 April – any time during the day or in the evening for The Art of Remembrance event.

With a nigh-on 100 year-old building, and a music centre in development, there is always plenty to be done.  It’s a special project that attracts awesome people. 

To express your interest in becoming a Kāhui St Davdi's volunteer please complete our short - VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION FORM 

THE GIFT OF MUSIC

We are delighted to announce the gift by Emeritus Professor Alan Kirkness of his music collection.  The collection is a veritable encyclopedia of Western classical music, all superb, from Beethoven to Brahms, Chopin to Tchaikovsky.  Several thousand CDs and music books will soon be available for all to enjoy in the Sitting Room, an intimate room with armchairs that is also home to the historic music library (scores) of St David’s.  To be able to browse this history, explore the CD jackets and listen has great value to devoted musicians and students.  It will also complement the future musical instrument library, a Kāhui St David’s project-in-waiting that will enable youth and others to try out musical instruments.   
 
Alan and wife Alison have been long-term Friends of the Trust, here to support us at some of our most challenging times.  It was in January 2015 that their daughter, Stephanie, gifted Paul a ceramic poppy from Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red from the Tower of London – which inspired the Art of Remembrance, Max Gimblett ONZM quatrefoil project. 

Thank you Emeritus Professor Alan Kirkness

AN ANGEL HAS TAKEN FLIGHT

It is with sadness, and gratitude, that we bid farewell to Brian Hughes, a great friend of the Trust.  Brian and Jeni are long-term Friends, and Founding Patrons of Kāhui St David’s. 
 
Brian was an inspirational figure in the construction industry.  His reputation went before him, and it was soon evident why.  His ability to resolve incredibly complex problems was second-to-none.  Brian would listen, assess, and advise, always with precision, gentle strength, and humour.  When Brian spoke, it paid to listen.
 
And Brian was there on the ground – literally.  No one tripped on the carpets at ANZAC eve last year, because of Brian.  The flag could be lowered and raised off the scaffold for proper military processes to occur, because of Brian.  The great structural props we have used for essential repairs to the building – these Brian brought in loads on a trailer from his yard out south.  It normally takes two men to lift just one, but Brian loaded the trailer by himself. 
 
Together with the wider Elliffe family, Brian supported the restoration of ‘Behold I Stand at the Door and Knock’, the leadlight window next to the Pulpit that also honours Brian’s great-grandparents, Henry and Isabella Elliffe. 
 
A service will be held at St Mary’s-in-Holy Trinity, 446 Parnell Road on Tuesday 16 April at 1:30pm.  We are sorry that St David’s is still filled with scaffold, Brian, but we know you will understand.  Thanks to you, it’s standing tall.

Farewell to Brian Hughes.

We will remember them

Save the dates & Autumn update

ANZAC AT KĀHUI ST DAVID'S - save the date(s)

Please save the date for ANZAC Eve (the night before Anzac Day),  to Remember Them.  An evening of inspiring music, moving image and warm hospitality in the company of very special guests -  an historic event....  details to be revealed in your invitation (to follow, soon).  

ANZAC Eve 2024 - WE WILL REMEMBER THEM 
Wednesday 24 April @6pm
Kāhui St David's 
70 Khyber Pass Road
Grafton, Auckland

ANZAC DAY 2024 - OPEN DAY
Can't come for ANZAC Eve?  Join us on ANZAC Day to see through the building, and view the Sara Hughes artworks in the North Chapel.
Thursday 25 April  11am - 3.00pm 
Kāhui St David's 

If you would like to be involved hands-on to prepare the place to honour our soldiers, aviators and sailors for ANZAC Eve (tidying, cleaning, setting up, trimming hedges, installing the flagpole, polishing brass plaques!), or on the night, we would love to hear from you via our volunteer registration form below. 

Or, come along to a short gardening bee - Sunday 14 April at 2:30pm.   As you can see from the image above - the gardens are getting wild!

RE-OPENING FROM ANZAC DAY -  taking bookings now! 

On ANZAC Eve, Wednesday 24th April, we will re-open the doors of Kāhui St David's to the New Zealand public, after an intense period of restoration.   We thank all who have made this possible.  

The work has included a complete electrical rewire, the illumination of the Great Hall with house lights and stage lights, heating, restoration of more Oamaru stone and leadlight windows, new water lines, plumbing repairs, ceilings restored, emergency door openers, security cameras, and an accessible ramp for the stage so that everyone can participate.  There is now an in-house sound system and projector for all your AV needs!

The Great Hall, with capacity for 400, and the North Chapel with seating for 70 are available for musical and performing arts events, funerals, weddings, conferences and meetings.   

We are now developing the programme for 2024 and 2025.

If you're interested in booking Kāhui St David's - please fill in our KĀHUI ST DAVID'S | BOOKING & ENQUIRY FORM 

A DECADE OF MIRACLES.  Thanks to you.

A message of thanks, for YOU.

And now from the archives, made 9 October 2014. A couple of weeks prior, a young Luke Lockwood had walked into St David's for the first time, and asked, "how can I help?"  

With an early drone, Luke captured the interior and exterior of St David's in a video that brought St David's to all New Zealand.  It played a critical role in the building becoming a Category 'A' Historic Heritage Place. 

LOOKING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

 Please consider us.

While the Great Hall and North Chapel are re-opening from ANZAC Day, a huge amount of work remains to be done in the not-too-distant future to open the entirebuilding.   We are a small trust, so your donation, bequest or pledge can make a big difference!   

Kāhui St David's will soon be like a village on the hill - humming with life - and serve as a bridge to the city for those living out south, north, east and west.  A series of music rooms, a recording studio, a third hall (currently called "The South Room") and the "village square" (carpark) will complete this centre for music and community.  It will be a place for connection, opportunity and inspiration across the region and beyond. 

To express your interest in becoming a Kāhui St Davdi's volunteer please complete our short - VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION FORM 

ARTWORK PURCHASERS - update

Image by Jessica Chloe Photography 

Thank you for your support.  If you purchased an artwork early, you will receive yours shortly!   The artist Sara Hughes, and the team at Artrite, have been working very hard.   The final colours go on the artworks on Tuesday... then it's to the framers for presentation back-frames and boxing.

Colour Quartet artworks are available for special order.  Visit  www.KahuiStDavids.nz  The artworks are available to buy individually, in pairs, as a triptych (3), quartet (4) or a larger installation. To pay for art over time (eg: over a year) email contact@kahuistdavids.nz and we will send you an invoice. 

Due to very high production costs, we are taking orders, so that you can help fund the production of your artwork.  You will bring it into existence!  Artworks ordered now will be delivered in June or July.

Many thanks to Sara and Gow Langsford Gallery for their generous support.

LOOKING BACK, LOOK FORWARD

Thank you for being part of this exciting journey with the Trust.  

With gratitude to our partners

Many thanks to our founding partners for your ongoing support of Kāhui St David’s. Without these generous benefactors, this project would not be possible.

Thanks to the trusts and businesses who are giving fully pro bono support and the many generous volunteers who we cannot name here individually.

Kāhui St David’s exists because of you.

Summer News from Kāhui St David's.

Your new cultural destination and centre for music

We've made some great progress at Kāhui St David's this summer and overcome a few challenges as well. It's time to share with you what's taking place within the walls of our treasured Soldiers' Memorial Church. 

The Great Hall is filled  to the rafters with scaffolding to enable ceiling maintenance, stone and concrete repairs, electrical rewire, restoration of the 1930s' lanterns, installation of stage lighting, general lighting, speakers and a projector.  

We thank the Joyce Fisher Charitable Trust for their generous support, and for grants received from Lottery Grants Board and Auckland Council.  And we thank those who are purchasing the Sara Hughes Colour Quartet artworks. Please see below for an update, and how to purchase including the opportunity to pay over time. 

The videos below capture some of the day-to-day achievements from our team of workers who are transforming the place for your next visit.   

Watch as the 1930's lantern is illuminated for the first time in a long time - on the evening of Thursday 15 February at Kāhui St David's.

Paul Newson, fabricating engineer, Millar Samson.

Stonemasonry restoration work being undertaken.

We have carefully removed this window to save it. We don't have funds right now to restore it, but it will be stored in a safe place until we do!

Thanks to John Jones from A Touch of Glass.

Artwork Purchases
an update to our valued supporters 

Thanks so much for your patience and support for the Kāhui St David's art project.  

We are pleased to be able to provide a good news update.  After delays caused by brass supplies and other challenges over the summer break, we've managed to buy the last remaining supply of brass in New Zealand! 
 
We are now working alongside artist Sara Hughes for the production of the Colour Quartet artworks.  This is a huge and time-intensive process. Now the brass has been cut and lacquered, the next processes include around 3 weeks of preparation and printing, which is then followed by around 2 weeks of packing before safe delivery can commence. We anticipate deliveries to be underway throughout March, April and potentially into May. 

This remarkable series of specially commissioned works has seen overwhelming demand. We are grateful for your support, which is enabling the building's illumination, restoration work, and development into a new cultural destination and centre for music for all. 

The artworks are still available to order by visiting our website. The artworks are available to buy individually, in pairs, as a triptych (3), quartet (4) or a larger installation. To pay for art over time (eg: over a year) email contact@kahuistdavids.nzand we will send you an invoice. 

Many thanks to Sara and Gow Langsford Gallery for their generous support. 

TVNZ 1News 

One of the highlights at the end of last year, was TVNZ 1 News Reporter Corazon Miller coming in just before Christmas to record a special news feature on the Art of Remembrance 2023 - Sara Hughes, at Kāhui St David's. 

The news story features artist Sara Hughes, Kāhui St David's Director Paul Baragwanath and musicians; Jazmin Upago, Olive Mortimer and Charlies Lia (En Passant),  We're grateful to these three young musicians, who came in especially to compose and perform their own message from Kāhui St David's for you all. 

Click here or on the image below to watch the TVNZ 1News Story.

Art of Remembrance 2023 - Sara Hughes' Colour Quartet

Gold AND Green LAUNCH

Sara Hughes' artworks now spectacularly adorn the walls of Kāhui St David's. The works glow gold, and colourful rays of light radiate through luminous skies and green land - each a statement of optimism, to honour the hopes of generations past for a brighter future.

Huge thanks to Sara, and also Gow Langsford Gallery for their generous support.

This new series of artworks has been specially commissioned as a continuation of the Art of Remembrance project that began with the Max Gimblett ONZM Remembrance quatrefoils in 2015, followed by the Southern Star Te Tonga Whetu o te Rangi brass lapel pins by jeweller and artist Warwick Freeman in 2018.

Proceeds will support the building’s illumination, restoration work, and development into a new cultural destination and centre for music for all.

Thanks to all who were able to attend Gold & Green, a night of extraordinary music and art.  

Spreading the word

Big thanks to Joanna Wane of NZME for her superb article, and for the support that the New Zealand Herald has given this project.  

We thank also Kathryn Ryan, Victoria Young (producer) and Radio New Zealand for the long format interview.  Links for both the New Zealand Herald and Radio New Zealand interviews are below.

And Suzanne McNamara of Kind Co communications, for sharing the story that inspired the journalists to reach out.  

And Renée Tanner of Lightbox Projects for her extraordinary work on the websites, event development, outreach, and numerous other aspects of this project that are making it  such a success.

Purchase Artwork 

The first 200 of the Sara Hughes Colour Quartet artworks have sold out!  However, the good news is that you are still able to make an order at the same price-point.  The artworks are available to buy individually, in pairs, as a triptych (3), quartet (4) or a larger installation. Please visit our website www.kahuistdavids.nz to purchase your chosen artwork. Or purchase in person, by visiting Kāhui St David’s during our artwork viewing times listed below.   And go in the draw to win an artwork by leaving your name and contact details in the visitors' book.

Secure your artwork now for mid February delivery.

Instalment payments are also available - please email paul@kahuistdavids.nz for more information.

Collection Date


If you have already purchased, and selected “free pickup”, the date is 18th December between 11am and 7pm, at Kāhui St David’s, 70 Khyber Pass Road, Grafton, Auckland.

Artwork Viewing Times 


Until Thursday 14th December
Daily from 4pm - 7pm, or by appointment - contact Paul Baragwanath 021 521 574 or email paul@kahuistdavids.nz
Kāhui St David’s, 70 Khyber Pass Road, Grafton, Auckland.

Bring home your Sara Hughes' Colour Quartet Artwork - Video. Music by Claire Cowan. Sound and Vision by Jeff Smith. In association with Gow Langsford.

MEDIA

RADIO NZ INTERVIEW  
Saving St David's: Paul Baragwanath on transforming a church into a centre for music, on RNZ's From Nine To Noon. Listen to the recorded interview here on Radio New Zealand.

NZ HERALD ARTICLE 
'New artworks by Sara Hughes released for Kāhui St David’s fundraiser'. An excellent article by Journalist Joanna Wane of the NZ Herald. If you're not a subscriber to the nzherald.co.nz, we recommend you consider joining - let's all support more art news. Read the article here on NZHerald.

EVENT PHOTO ALBUM

PHOTOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS from Gold & Green, 4 December 2023, as captured by Jessica Chloe Photography.  Thank you Jessica!

The gold of the event title speaks to the past, and to the luminosity of the brass.  The green speaks to the musical future of this place - and the glorious colour of the Sara Hughes artworks.  

Special thanks also to the musicians... you filled us up and brought celebration to this season. We can't wait to hear you again soon!

Artist Sara Hughes

Paul Baragwanath, Director, Friends of St David's Trust Kāhui Rangi Pūpū

Auckland Youth Choir, Octet. Soprano: Poppy McDonnell & Eloise Page. Alto: Kate Wong She & Althea Tarrosa. Tenor: Ivan Zhang & Hamish Regan. Bass: Sam Nicholson & Benedict Tan

Olive Mortimer

En Passant, Charles Lia

Hanalina Tanuvasa & Ali Ono, Sistema Aotearoa

Jazmin Ugapo, Juga

Ioleini Vake & Viliami Fa'aui

 Aria Jones & Tamsyn Matchett.

Images by Jessica Chloe Photography 

THANK YOU 
 


Thank you for being part of this exciting journey with the Trust.