Join us for the launch | The Art of Remembrance 2023

Adorning Kāhui St David's - Sara Hughes' Colour Quartet 

Join us and be the first to view the Sara Hughes artworks which now spectacularly adorn the walls of Kāhui St David's. Sara Hughes’ abstracted artworks 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.

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. 

Monday 4 December
7.30pm - 8.30pm
Kāhui St David's 
Free event

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

[Image above: Artist Sara Hughes Photo: Sam Hartnett]

Artwork Viewing Times


Monday 4th December 7:30pm - 9:30pm at our special launch event:
Gold & Green | The Art of Remembrance 2023 - Sara Hughes. 
Further details below, including our story of the musicians involved. 

Tuesday 5th December until 14th December from 4:30pm - 7pm.

By appointment – contact Paul Baragwanath +64 21 521 574, contact@KahuiStDavids.nz 

The artworks are also available to view and purchase online at kāhuistdavids.nz

MEET OUR ARTISTS - 4 DECEMBER

En Passant, Charles Lia – piano
"Hey, I’m Charles and my artist name is En Passant. I am 15 years old.  Music - it's kind of that thing that brings me peace in my life. Entertaining people and making others happy makes me feel good, because I feel like I have done something good for others."

Juga, Jazmin Ugapo – vocal and guitar
"My name is Jazmin Ugapo and my artist name is Juga. I am Samoan and 17 years old. I come from a very musical family so my whole life I’ve been surrounded by the art of music. I am self-taught and started playing guitar when I was a child. My family and my love for music are what inspire me everyday to create it and pursue the life of an artist"
 
Both Charles and Jazmin were contestant in SUSO (Stand Up Stand Out) 2023. 
Stand Up Stand Out (SUSO) is Tāmaki Makaurau’s most prestigious youth music and dance competition, and a vital platform that gives perspective to the breadth and depth of Auckland’s diverse artistry.
 
SUSO has its roots in the Ōtara community, when the students of Tangaroa College advocated for an arts centre that became Ōtara Music Arts Centre (OMAC) over 30 years ago. Once the centre was established, SUSO became one of the founding programmes, and it continues to be supported by OMAC and organised by Auckland Council as it enters into its 32nd year.
 
Each year, over 1000 participants from over 20 secondary schools around Auckland come together to perform across 12 events in one of the five categories: Solo Vocal, Group Vocal, Solo Instrumental, Band and Dance.

Olive Mortimer - vocal & guitar
"Hello my name is Olive Mortimer. I’m 17 years old and my entire life music has been my passion. I have been writing my own songs since I was very little and find pleasure in writing beautiful stories that I can turn into music. Being on stage is something that brings me so much joy. I have been doing Play it Strange for two years. Then I met Mike Chun and he has helped me grow so much in the music industry!!"
 
Play It Strange is a charitable trust that promotes and inspires songwriting for NZ secondary school student. Play it Strange runs programmes & competitions for young kiwis to write original songs, record and perform them. Providing pathways for creativity through songwriting and a platform for youth nationwide to express themselves through songwriting.

Hanalina Tanuvasa & Ali Ono – Cello Duo
Hanalina is a member of the Senior Orchestra - Otara Rangatahi Orchestra, and has been playing cello since she was in Year 2.  Ali has also been with Sistema Aotearoa since Year 2 and is now one of our Rangatahi support students. As well as leading the cello section in our Otara Rangatahi Orchestra, he supports our tutoring team with the junior orchestras. Ali plays with his own chamber group at school with which he has competed and been awarded in the NZST Chamber Music Contest. 
 
Ioleini  Vake & Viliami  Fa'aui – Cornet Duo
Ioleini and Viliami are members of the Sistema Aotearoa Brass Band and have in this last term started practising duets together with tutor, Anne Filimoehala. When not on Brass Band duty, Ioleini plays the viola and Viliami double bass in our Intermediate orchestra. 

Sistema Aotearoa
Inspired by Sistema music programmes around the world.  Sistema Aotearoa is a social development programme that builds a sense of community, self-respect, and mutual support in children, aged 2 to 20 years. Offering free, intensive, ensemble-based music lessons to inspire children to realise their full potential through orchestral music-making.

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
 
Auckland Youth Choir is a mixed-voice youth choir of singers aged 16-27 from across Auckland. Offering young singers a broad musical and choral experience. The choir was established in 1984 to bridge the gap between school and adult choirs and now has over 120 singing members.

Tamsyn Matchett, Mezzo Soprano 
Born in Tāmaki Makaurau, Tamsyn has an Honours in Music (performance voice) from Otago University. She has performed with the New Zealand Opera Chorus in multiple opera productions, and also has credits with the NZO as an assistant director for Tosca, Madama Butterfly, Don Giovanni and Britten’s Noye’s Fludde. She is a co-producer for a theatre company Opera Risque, and also enjoys performing contemporary music with different ensembles across Auckland. 

Aria Jones, Soprano 
As a solo artist and live performer Aria Jones has fostered her talent for singing, dancing and performing since a young age. Her Bachelor of Music at the University of Auckland where she studied classical voice was Aria’s springboard into the NZ Opera chorus where she spent four years honing her stagecraft. Aria released her debut EP 'Love Songs Till Midnight' in 2022. In addition to her own music work, Aria is a passionate advocate for music education in the technology sector, working for local music-tech start up Melodics, to help people learn to play music using an online app.

Helen Lukman-Fox, organist
Helen grew up in Indonesia and her career as a musician has been filled with musical performances, including playing bell lyre, accompanying choirs and instrumentalists and singing solo. She has secured vocal and academic scholarships, which so far have seen her live and perform in 5 countries and 20+ cities thus far. 

Since relocating to New Zealand Helen has achieved a number of awards for her organ performances. 

GOLD & GREEN | The Art of Remembrance - Sara Hughes

Join us for the launch of

Art of Remembrance 2023 - Sara Hughes 

Be present for the unveiling of the art of Sara Hughes – Colour Quartet – a spectacular new series of works on brass, a continuation of the Art of Remembrance project that began with the Max Gimblett ONZM Remembrance quatrefoils in 2015.  

The Colour Quartet artworks are inspired by what St David’s stands for – remembrance, light-filled soaring architecture, and optimism for a musical future.

Experience inspiring live performances from a new generation of rising music stars including: Irene Folau, Jazmin Ugapo, Charles Lia, Olive Mortimer, Ed Waaka, and Auckland Youth Choir, with MC Aria Jones. 

A celebration of art & music at Kāhui St David’s

Monday 4 December 7:30-8:30pm 
Kāhui St David’s, 70 Khyber Pass Road, Grafton
Free event. All welcome. RSVP@rememberthem.nz

Hosted by Kāhui St David's and Friends of St David's Trust Kāhui Rangi Pūpū, in association with Gow Langsford. 

All attendees of the launch event and following viewings will have the opportunity to win a Sara Hughes artwork.

Not able to join on the night? 
Come to see the artwork any evening from Tuesday 5 December – Saturday 9 December, 5pm – 7pm,  in the North Chapel of Kāhui St David's, or contact us to make an appointment to view contact@friendsofstdavids.org.nz

SARA HUGHES 

Sara Hughes is amongst Australasia’s most celebrated artists, and her creation for the exterior of the New Zealand International Convention Centre is one of the largest public artworks in New Zealand history.  She has also completed major works in the ANZ Centre and 17 Albert Street, also commissioned by Paul Baragwanath.  

Sara has exhibited at Te Papa Tongarewa and museums and galleries across New Zealand and overseas.  She has a strong connection to Uptown – her mural at the intersection of Symonds Street and Mt Eden and New North Roads is a much-loved local landmark.  Sara is represented by Gow Langsford Gallery. 

[Image: Artist Sara Hughes Photo: Sam Hartnett]

SPRING NEWS

It was in 2015 that we launched the Art of Remembrance, when the brass artworks of Max Gimblett ONZM shimmered across St David’s facades for three months into winter, then took flight to homes across New Zealand and the world.

On Monday 4 December, a new artwork of remembrance will be revealed… in an evening of art, and the music of new generation of rising stars.  Save the date!  And spread the word.  It will be a night to remember.

It will also be an opportunity for you, our Benefactors, Partners, Friends, and supporters, to experience the transformed building, after a year of restoration work that has been enabled by your generosity.  We look forward to welcoming you back to the place you have saved.

TRANSFORMATION OF THE GREAT HALL 

Months of work designing, developing, restoring and transforming the Great Hall came to a crescendo for Lighting the Lamp of Remembrance event. 
 
Red carpet laid, Sappers’ Chapel restored, stage expanded for music, tukutuku panels created by Beronia Scott and her fellow weavers from Te Puawai, Ōrākei marae have now been installed amongst the oak panelling in the sanctuary (front of the Great Hall), to honour the heritage of the building, and create a memorable context for musicians on-stage. 

The blessing of the tukutuku panels was led by Kaumatua Tautoko Witika and named Pou Tangata.  There are many interpretations of the term pou tangata.  The pū korero given at the blessing, speaks of an invitation to the stairway to and from heaven.  The design is the poutama pattern, which reaches to the heavens.  It is a thing of great beauty, and we invite you to view it from all angles, and to come on-stage to see it up-close.  We thank the weavers for their incredible work.

We also give thanks to the Donald Percy Winstone Trust, a Founding Benefactor, for making possible this transformation of the Great Hall.   

Benefactors, Partners and Friends: thank you!

Unveiling of Pou Tangata     Image courtesy Jessica Chloe Photography

 Artist Beronia Scott and Kaumatua Tautoko Witika     Image courtesy Jessica Chloe Photography

 Artist Beronia Scott and her weavers from Te Puawai based at Ōrākei marae     Image courtesy Jessica Chloe Photography

Jeff Smith of Digital Animation capturing the artwork     Image courtesy Jessica Chloe Photography

Image courtesy Jessica Chloe Photography

Image courtesy Jessica Chloe Photography

LIGHTING OF THE LAMP

An historic event occurred on Sunday 15 October.   Brigadier Rose King, Deputy Chief of Army, on behalf of Chief of Defence Force Air Marshal Kevin Short, illuminated the Lamp of Remembrance for the very first time.  The Lamp honours all current and retired members of the New Zealand Defence Force from the Navy, Air Force and Army.  From now on it will be lit 365 days of the year, in perpetuity.   

It also honours the collective pledge we have made through the Art of Remembrance project: that St David’s would continue as a living memorial.  2023 marks the 96th year of the Sappers’ Memorial Parade at St David’s. 

We thank our distinguished guests, the musicians, and all those who were able to attend.  

Thanks to Jessica Chloe Photography for these superb images which capture this historic memorial service.

Together, we will remember them.  

Colonel Commandant Paul Curry, Corps of the Royal New Zealand Engineers

Chaplain Rich Lander, JP RNZN

Sapper (Retired) Peter Mellalieu, Sappers’ Association (NZ)

Kaumatua Tautoko Witika and Peter Foster, RNZE (Retired), Emeritus President, Sappers' Association NZ

 The paraffin lamp is presented to Brigadier King by the Sapper Biddle, 3 Troop 2 Field, RNZE

 The Lamp of Remembrance is lit.  The wreathe to the left represents the RNZE; the wreathe to the right represents all other soldiers, sailors and aviators of the NZDF past and present - thanks to Philippa Walker, patron and volunteer,  for creating this beautiful wreathe.

ARMISTICE DAY THIS SATURDAY 

This Saturday 11 November is Armistice Day, which marks the end of World War I.   We had planned to launch the new artwork of remembrance – but this is now on Monday 4 December at 7.30pm.
 
Instead, we will be gardening!  If you have an hour or two spare to pull some weeds or trim the plants, please join us.   Message contact@KahuiStDavids.nz or just come.
 
Gardening @ Kāhui St David’s for Armistice Day
Saturday 11 November
1pm – 3pm
All welcome, afternoon tea to follow

THANKS TO OUR VOLUNTEERS

Graham Yan 

We have many incredible volunteers to thank, and today we would like to acknowledge Graham Yan, who came in like a guardian angel, for days on end and late into the night, including to restore the North Chapel entry lobby, and preparing the walls and windows of the Great Hall to enable the scaffolds to come down.  Graham, your work ethic and generosity are inspiring!

JOIN KĀHUI ST DAVID'S ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

While the building will always be St David’s Memorial Church, its historic doors are now open to Kāhui St David’s, centre for music and community.
 
“Kāhui” means “the gathering”, and honours the Scottish heritage of the place, and its role as a place of connection for all.
 
Please join Kāhui St David’s on social media, and keep an eye out for future invitations that relate to its musical activities.  Friends of St David’s Trust Kāhui Rangi Pūpū (“gathering place of the heavenly trumpets”) also continues, with a focus on the heritage and conservation of the Soldiers’ Memorial Church.

LIGHTING THE LAMP OF REMEMBRANCE | Annual Sappers' Parade

Every year at ANZAC Day we promise we will remember them. The question is, how?

The Royal New Zealand Engineers (RNZE), together with Friends of St David’s Trust Kāhui Rang Pūpū invite you to join them for the very first lighting of the Lamp of Remembrance. From 15 October onward, the lamp will be illuminated 365 days of the year.

Located within the Great Hall of St David’s, in the newly restored Sappers’ Chapel, the Lamp lets all returned service men and women know that we remember them, and that this sanctuary is here for them. For peace, music, or company.

St David’s foundation stone was laid on ANZAC Day 1927 and dedicated as the Soldiers’ Memorial Church. It has been home to the Royal New Zealand Engineers (Sappers) ever since. Once the “cathedral of the Presbyterian Church”, St David’s is now owned by Friends of St David’s Trust Kāhui Rangi Pūpū (charitable) – its name translates as “gathering place of the heavenly trumpets”. The building’s purchase has been made possible thanks to the support of New Zealanders nationwide, to ensure that St David’s would continue as a living memorial. It is now home to Kāhui St David’s centre for music and community.

It will soon be home to the Lamp of Remembrance.

Please join us for the lighting of the lamp. We will Remember Them.

LIGHTING THE LAMP OF REMEMBRANCE
 ANNUAL SAPPERS' PARADE
Remembering those who serve

Sunday 15 October
DOORS OPEN AT 10.00am FOR A 10:30am START
70 KHYBER PASS ROAD, AUCKLAND CENTRAL

An all-faith musical remembrance service

The event will also celebrate the unveiling of tukutuku artwork panels to adorn the sanctuary of St David's

Please get your TICKETS via Eventfinda 
General Admission - suggested koha $10.00
Veterans and children under 18 FREE
Suitable for all ages.

JOIN KĀHUI ST DAVID'S ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

While the building will always be St David’s Memorial Church, its historic doors are now open to Kāhui St David’s, centre for music and community.
 
“Kāhui” means “the gathering”, and honours the Scottish heritage of the place, and its role as a place of connection for all.
 
Please join Kāhui St David’s on social media, and keep an eye out for future invitations that relate to its musical activities.  Friends of St David’s Trust Kāhui Rangi Pūpū (“gathering place of the heavenly trumpets”) also continues, with a focus on the heritage and conservation of the Soldiers’ Memorial Church.

Remembrance, Update & Invitations

We write to share our farewell to a great Friend of St David’s, and to take this moment to share the wonderful upcoming events that have been made possible by that friend, and by you, who support the Trust’s work.  

 

GOODBYE TO A GREAT FRIEND OF ST DAVID'S 

Today we bid farewell to Tony, Lord Farrow, a brave and loyal Friend of St David’s. 

It was in September 2014 that Tony, together with Heather, Lady Farrow, stepped up, at considerable personal cost, to save St David’s from certain demolition.  This involved Tony’s resignation as an Elder of St David’s, and his and Heather’s departure from the church where they were married in September 1961. 
 
53 years of connection ended at his beloved church, in order to support the Trust’s work.
 
As a result of the newspaper article below, a structural engineer by the name of Craig Stevenson, now a Trustee, was inspired to reach out and to personally inspect the building to establish its actual condition. 
 
Lord Farrow was born in England and attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, in the Sherwood Foresters, before coming to New Zealand in 1956.  He was a member of the Auckland Officers’ Club, and he and Lady Farrow were patrons of ChildFund New Zealand. 
 
We honour the life of Lord Farrow, and express our deepest sympathy and gratitude to Lady Farrow and family.

East and Bays Courier_Stuff.co.nz.      November 26, 2014

SAVE THE DATES 

Please save the dates and times for these two historic events in October and November.  Invitations to follow.

AUCKLAND SAPPERS' DAY
@St David's - the Soldiers' Memorial Church 

Join the Sappers / Royal New Zealand Engineers and members, current and retired, of the NZDF for this historic, multi-faith, musical remembrance service, and witness the first illumination of the Lamp of Remembrance, in the newly restored Sappers’ Memorial Chapel.  Suitable for all the family (includes activities for children).
 
As the kaitiaki (guardians) of St David’s Memorial Church, we are thankful to be able to honour the continuation of this tradition that dates back to 1927.
 
We will remember them. 

Mark the date -
Sunday 15 October
10.30 – 11.30am

ARMISTICE DAY

and launching The Art of Remembrance 2023

Join us to celebrate peace, hear the incredible voices and music of a new generation, and be present for the launch of a new, Art of Remembrance series of artworks.  The theme of the artwork will be… peace and hope for the future.  The artwork is currently under wraps, but more will be revealed, very soon!  The artwork release will also support fundraising for the illumination of the Great Hall, as we work to open the doors for good.

Mark the date -
Saturday 11 NOVEMBER  
6pm

HEARTY CONGRATULATIONS 

Hearty congratulations to David Reeves who is the new director of the Auckland War Memorial Museum.  David is wearing Te Tonga Whetu o te Rangi, Southern Star by Warwick Freeman, the lapel-pin remembrance artwork that launched the consciousness-raising campaign which saw St David’s recognised as a Category A Historic Heritage Place.

Auckland Museum is home to Te Pourewa Whakamaharatanga The Tower of Remembrance, installed in 2016 to mark the special relationship between the War Memorial Museum and the War Memorial Church.

JOIN KĀHUI ST DAVID'S ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

While the building will always be St David’s Memorial Church, its historic doors are now open to Kāhui St David’s, centre for music and community.
 
“Kāhui” means “the gathering”, and honours the Scottish heritage of the place, and its role as a place of connection for all.
 
Please join Kāhui St David’s on social media, and keep an eye out for future invitations that relate to its musical activities.  Friends of St David’s Trust Kāhui Rangi Pūpū (“gathering place of the heavenly trumpets”) also continues, with a focus on the heritage and conservation of the Soldiers’ Memorial Church.

GIFT 

Big thanks to Rosie Ashby for not only giving the Trust a beautiful dining table and antique chairs, but for her personal delivery service to the door!  

Thanks to Rosie, and also to John Morrow, Trust Secretary, hands on deck for unloading the chairs.

WINDOW RESTORATION 

We are thankful to the Stout Trust for making possible the restoration of two of the soaring leadlight windows.
 
The Good Shepherd leadlights have been restored by A Touch of Glass, and Limeworks is now completing the restoration of the Oamaru stone.

THANK YOU 

Finally, thanks to you for your ongoing interest in the project, and for your support.

Futures Festival at Kāhui St David's

UPTOWN FUTURES FESTIVAL


We are delighted to be involved in the Uptown Futures Festival, to facilitate and encourage collaborative change in this exciting neighbourhood. 

The Uptown Business Association, alongside local business The Urban Advisory, have partnered with the University of Auckland, Unitec and AUT to reimagine our neighbourhood and create visions of its potential. 

Over 550 architecture and design students have considered the urban regeneration of Uptown through their studies this year. The Uptown Futures Festival will showcase their work and provide a catalyst for community input into the development of the area.

 

Kāhui St David's is proud to be hosting: 
Uptown Futures Festival Launch Event

Saturday 8th July 4pm - 6:30pm
Doors open from 3pm. 
Great Hall, Kāhui St David's
70 Khyber Pass Road, Grafton.

You’ll enjoy a thought-provoking panel discussion along with an acoustic music performance by the brilliant singer-songwriter and multi instrumentalist Nick Dow.  On the panel discussion lead by Bernard Hickey,  you'll hear from Chlöe Swarbrick (MP for Auckland Central), Sibyl Bloomfield (Lecturer and Researcher at AUT), Anahera Rawiri (Principal at ABH Limited) and Patrick Reynolds (Director at Waka Kotahi). 

Get your free ticket at eventbrite.
More info: https://www.uptown.co.nz/future

Uptown Futures Festival Student Showcase Pop-up

Thursday 6 - Saturday 8 July, 1pm - 6pm.
North Chapel (Madeira Lane entrance)
Kāhui St David's, 70 Khyber Pass Road, Grafton.

On display, there'll be digital installations, large-format designs, models, interactive displays and much more.  These free exhibitions will give you the opportunity to see and absorb a huge range of different ideas, from urban furniture and mixed-use developments and housing, to neighbourhood-wide strategies; all centred around making sure Uptown maintains its unique character as it evolves.  
More info: https://www.uptown.co.nz/future

Come along and immerse yourself in captivating designs/ideas and thought-provoking panel discussions.

It’s HAPPENING

Since ANZAC Eve, we have continued restoration work on St David’s, inside and out.   Stone mullions, leadlight windows, floor repairs, ceiling repairs, the list is exhaustive!   This has been made possible thanks to the grants, pro-bono and volunteer support.  We are very grateful for your support. 

If you would like to further contribute to this legacy project either by donating, or with your time, we welcome your support. 

Please contact Paul on 021 521 574 or  paul@KahuiStDavids.nz

Arch repairs in progress, mullion repair completed.

Floors repaired, new entry mats and doorstep.  Getting on with improving the essentials.

THANKS TO OUR VOLUNTEERS

It takes a village to prepare the building and grounds for a big event!  Thanks to the volunteers who came to the working bee on Saturday.  The pews are sparkling, the gardens are weed-free, and the place is feeling great. 

Bindi Robb – working through driving rain (sleet!) on her Saturday morning. 

Lara and Claudio pulling weeds before helping prep the Great Hall.   

Clean pews, just in time for Uptown Futures Festival

MEET A STAR VOLUNTEER

It is our pleasure to introduce you to Brian Hughes.  Brian came on board in the leadup to ANZAC Eve, and has since been working to problem-solve and advise on building restoration strategy and planning.  A lifetime in the construction industry, Brian brings a wealth of knowledge and experience.  Brian’s connection to the place goes back through time.  Brian's grandfather JM Elliffe is named on the Role of Honour, and the Behold I Stand at the Door and Knock window near the pulpit is currently being restored by the extended Elliffe family.

Thank you Brian for your awesome support.

Brian Hughes

INTRODUCING NAVJOT & BUSINESS SHINE

Since 2015, Navjot Singh has volunteered for the Trust, including for the Art of Remembrance project, and many of our major events.  Navjot has just launched a new carpet cleaning, floor cleaning, upholstery cleaning, floor polishing and water-blasting service, Business Shine.  He has just done a superb job on the North Chapel, stairs, lower lobby and Great Hall.  Please consider Navjot for home or work.
 
www.businessshine.co.nz or phone 021 282 0006

Navjot Singh

THANK YOU

Thank you for being part of this exciting journey.  We look forward to seeing you soon at Kāhui St David’s.

REMEMBRANCE 2023

Music is a universal language that can speak to us all - to uplift our collective consciousness - to see that our present, honours their sacrifice.


After weeks of preparing St David's Memorial Church to host The Art of Remembrance 2023 - rebuilding of sections of the ceiling and walls of the Great Hall, floor repairs, roof repairs, electrical re-wiring, painting, staining, additional handrails, and days of cleaning and work in the gardens - the doors opened.   Thanks to all who made this possible!

Illuminated red on the outside - thanks to Angus Muir Design - and glowing within, filled with guests from across the region and beyond. It was a night of music and commemoration that we will not forget.

Horomona Horo sounded the great pūkaea - a taonga pūoro (traditional Māori wind instrument) and members of the New Zealand Defence Force, current and retired, were piped in to The Hills of Argyll by David Harvey on the bagpipes.

Military and families were seated in seats of honour, and members of the Corps of Royal New Zealand Engineers and Sappers of New Zealand in the Sappers' Memorial Chapel within the Great Hall.

Kaumatua Tautoko Witika inspired with his presence and grace, and shared the meaning of the new, additional name for the Friends of St David's Trust, which is Kāhui Rangi Pūpū, meaning 'gathering place of the heavenly trumpets'.

A superb address by Lieutenant Colonel (Rtd) Chris Mullane who spoke of the symbols of remembrance, and encouraged younger generations to wear the medals of their forebears on their right side (recipients of medals wear them on the left).

The Off Broadway Big Band, the great 1910 Croft Pipe Organ played by Walter Nicholls and the voices of all present filled the hall with music to the rafters.  Horomona Horo also played He Kohikohinga Roimata, a compilation of waiata mōteatea to remember the tears of our lost ones and those who fought for us all.

Simon O'Neill ONZM, who sings at the greatest opera houses of the world happened to be on these shores and, together with Somi Kim who is the great pianist of the celebrated NZTrio, stepped into the breach at the 9th hour when another of our musical performance fell over due to illness.  From George Butterworth's Loveliest of Trees, Is my team ploughing (Butterworth was killed 5 August 1916 shot by a sniper, Battle of Somme), to "the otherside", Gustav Mahler's Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen (Dies Vienna, Austro Hungarian Empire 1911).  Simon and Somi finished with Ross Parker and Hughie Charle's We'll meet again, made famous by Vera Lynn.   Spontaneous applause!

The Ode was read by Kaumatua Tautoko Witika, and Graham Judge, Chair, Friends of St David's Trust Kāhui Rangi Pūpū.

Corporal Toby Hutton 3 Troop, 2 Field Squadron, RNZE lowered the New Zealand flag during the playing of the Last Post, and raised the flag during the playing of The Rouse.

We learnt that for evening services, The Rouse is played instead of the Reveille, which is played only at dawn.

We sang Hine e Hine, beautifully led by soloist Michelle Thorne and the Off Broadway Big Band, and gathered afterwards to enjoy home made ANZAC biscuits in the Vestibule.

Special thanks to our Event Partners, Donor Partners, Founding Patrons, Founding Friends, Volunteers and businesses who support the Trust's work. 

Thanks to Renée Tanner and Alex Bonham, Waitematā Local Board Member, for the images below.   Jeff Smith is also creating a video that we will share with you in the coming weeks.  

Finally, a very special thanks to Founding Patron Max Gimblett ONZM whose gift of the Remembrance quatrefoils in 2015 launched The Art of Remembrance project… St David's stands today as testament to this great gift.


Together, we will remember them. 

SERVICE GALLERY

SUPPORTING THE RESTORATION PROJECT 

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 make a koha to support the restoration project,  please click the MAKE A DONATION button below or email contact@saintdavidsfriends.org.nz  

BECOME A ST DAVID'S VOLUNTEER

f you would like to contribute to the Trust’s work as a volunteer, please let us know! 

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. 

Contact  Paul if you'd like to get involved on paul@KahuiStDavids.nz  

AUTUMN UPDATE

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.
 
This year, on ANZAC Eve (Monday 24 April) music filled the Great Hall of St David’s, the Soldiers’ Memorial Church.  We were joined by musicians David Harvey, Horomona Horo, Katherine Winitana, Emmanuel Fonoti Fuimaono, Walter Nicholls and the Off Broadway Big Band.
 
Despite a year of big repairs and maintenance at St David’s – scores of roof leaks, concreting, stone repairs, leadlight rebuilds, electrical work – and more work under way, we were able to welcome everyone and then have them join us afterwards for home made ANZAC biscuits and hot beverages.

Dawn Judge – Trustee, Treasurer, painter!

BECOME A ST DAVID'S VOLUNTEER

If you would like to contribute to the Trust’s work as a volunteer, please let us know! 

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. 

Contact:  Paul if you'd like to get involved on paul@KahuiStDavids.nz  

RESTORATION PHOTO ALBUM

Josh Gautron, Sapper and former Royal New Zealand Engineer, has been working with his father Paul on preliminary restoration work on the RNZE window, and other Oamaru stone window mullions.

Paul Newson, of Millar Samson Engineers, installing the restored metal window surround and leadlight window. 

St David’s was the childhood church of Max Gimblett ONZM, and the quatrefoils in the architecture inspired his practice – and The Art of Remembrance project in 2015.  The restoration of this window took a knuckle boom on the outside and scaffolding within.  Superb work by A Touch of Glass – thank you John and Shelley.

A hole the size of a small pinhead caused massive damage to the ceiling and walls over 20 years. Thanks to builder Chris Waddington for his great restoration work and to Chris Vincent of South Pacific Timer for the gift of the precious Rimu timber sarking. 

Dawn doing restoration work to the mullions.  It was necessary to remove all the old paint that prevented the stone from breathing, and to re-paint in lime-based, natural paint.  Two windows done, ten to go!

What it takes to restore the small quatrefoil window up high.  Cut it out, restore it, re-insert, and hand-mortar back in.

Strapping the RNZE window. 

Paul Newson part way through the restoration of the lower section of the Good Shepherd window.

Taping up a window for transport to A Touch of Glass for restoration. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR & THANK YOU

HAPPY NEW YEAR!  May 2023 be a beautiful year for you, your family and friends.  

Our thoughts are also with those who are experiencing tough times, both here, and across the world.
 
As the New Year begins, we reflect also on the year that was.  

We are very thankful to so many people and entities who have given so very much to bring St David's into the ownership of the Trust, and to those who are supporting critical restoration and enabling work, including the creation of Kāhui St David's, the centre for music and community.  

War & Peace, 'Well done thou good and faithful servant' Soldiers' window.  Acrylic paint removed off the Oamaru stone to let it breathe.  Repairs now need to be done to the stone, inside and out.

One of the great challenges of the year was taking on a nigh-on 100-year-old building that was in need of a lot of love, in numerous directions, all at once.  We have fixed the numerous leaks in the roofs, completed the Type 4 fire detection system (it now connects to the Fire Service) and emergency exit lighting, undertaken drainage and plumbing repairs, concrete repairs, leadlight window repairs, stone repairs, floor repairs, and much else.  

A highlight of 2022 was the first Art of Remembrance ANZAC Eve service held indoors, and the week-long illuminations and soundscapes in the grounds.  

Another great milestone was the gift to the Trust of a very meaningful, additional new name:  Kāhui Rangi Pūpū.   Also, the name for the new centre for music:  Kāhui St David's.   Again, we thank Kaumatua Tautoko Witika.   If you haven't already seen it, view the video that shares some of the meanings behind 'Kāhui Rangi Pūpū'.  It's on the homepage. 

To our Partners, Patrons, Benefactors, Friends and Volunteers:  we thank you.  All  that was achieved in 2022 has been made possible thanks to you.

ODE TO VOLUNTEERS

Gardens a jungle, weeds pushing high
Mud-splattered laneways, no safe passage by
Dust and debris on the carpets, ledges and pews
Piles of dishes in the Vestibule, the Zip has blown a fuse!
Inspection holes in walls and ceilings, needing to be made
 Seven hundred? staples to pull, right across the stage
Hark! knocking at the door - who could it be?
Volunteer angels! come to save St D.

INTRODUCTIONS

We would like to thank, and to introduce you to some of our incredible volunteers. 

Paul Wymer 

Paul brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the field of concrete construction and restoration.  Determining how to restore a 100 year-old concrete and masonry building, from research and strategy phase through to procurement of a contractor and ultimately building works, it all demands considerable ability, experience and dedication.  Paul is working alongside architect Claire Chambers, structural engineer Dizhur Consulting, and the Trust's Building Working Group.

Paul is the Director of Contech, with a BE (Civil) Hons, NZCE (Civil) and FEngNZ.  

Mary-Ann Judge

Mary-Ann has for many years worked tirelessly at every major event we have hosted, and has been there, ready to muck in, at so very many challenging junctures.  Whatever the challenge, Mary-Ann brings her incredible energy, determination, and humour to see the job is done, and always to the highest standards.  From brain-storming Kāhui St David's operational strategy, to transforming the grounds, to making the Great Hall feel great once more, Mary-Ann is a guardian angel of St D.

David Brown

It was ANZAC week 2022, and David and family came to check out the projections in the grounds.  Looking up at the towering facades of the Soldier's Memorial Church, David asked: how can I help?  
David brings a wealth of experience, and a welcome sense of humour, with years of experience in building and complex project management.  

If there is an immediate challenge at hand, David is there, always finding the time.

The image below captures David in the middle of it, opening up ceilings and walls to enable inspections of the structure.  

GIFTS


In addition to the work required on the building, there is much needed to make it usable - and beautiful.  Our aim is that everyone feels at home when they visit Kāhui St David's.  And that includes experiencing manaakitanga (hospitality), and spaces where people can relax, connect with others, and work.

Shirley Anne Dyer

Shirley Anne has gifted the Trust a superb antique, Oak table with a stunning and lovingly hand-polished top and carved legs, and matching set of six chairs. 
 

The table is now a fixture of the Vestibule (entry lobby), serving as the meetings table, hospitality table, and centre-piece of the room.  The chairs are now doing service around the Board Room table, strong and well made for extended board meetings!  

When the Centre opens, both the Vestibule and Board Room will be available to be enjoyed by the community.  Thank you Shirley Anne for your generous gifts.

Robert Vette

The Trust is now the Kaitiaki (guardian) of the building, and also of its historic heritage contents.  We will be creating a library-museum-gallery within one of the existing spaces for the purpose, and two very important books will be part of it.  

Our thanks to Robert Vette who has had two of the most valuable books restored and protected for posterity.  

TRUSTEES

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the tireless service, hard work, professionalism and expertise of fellow Trustees, Graham Judge,  John Morrow, Dawn Judge, Carole Pedder and Craig Stevenson.

YOU

And finally, thank you for being part of the Kāhui St David's whānau of Friends.   Here's to you!

NOVEMBER UPDATE | REMEMBRANCE DAY

REMEMBRANCE DAY

Today is Remembrance Day, marking 103 years since the end of World War One. A war
that took the lives of 20 million people and injured 21 million worldwide.

There were 58,000 New Zealand ‘casualties’ from across Aotearoa and the Pacific. And
many more lives affected.

How can our peacetime honour their sacrifice? We can do so, by making this world a better place, for us all. But lofty language won’t make the change. It’s up to us to do the mahi on our watch, to see lives transformed and lived to the full.

Memorial windows with scaffolding. RNZE window (left) and ‘Well done thou good and faithful servant’ window, making soldiers welcome returning from war. Children play and flowers bloom in the “Peace” window.

KĀHUI ST DAVID'S

The vision for Kāhui St David’s – the centre for music in these historic walls – is to connect and to inspire. It will not be an excluding silo; it will be a sanctuary for us all.

Where there is much that may divide us now – physically, economically, culturally – music made, shared and streamed from within a space built to uplift the human spirit, will serve to connect us and bring us together for good.

Music transcends all barriers. It connects the individual to the universal.

Kauria - a waiata of remembrance

Today we share a waiata of remembrance. Kauria was composed by Piripi Davis and performed by members of the Tamariki whanau in Kāhui St David’s. Big thanks to Talya, Tommy Lee and Storm, and their mum Kowhai for making this possible.

Thank you also to our partners, patrons and friends – none of this would be possible without your awesome generosity.

Also special thanks to the Waitematā Local Board for your generous support of ANZAC Week, which inspired this video.