Timeline of St David’s

1927    Foundation stone laid on ANZAC Day.  Then dedicated as St David’s Memorial Church.  Becomes “Cathedral of the Presbyterian Church”

2014    Friends of St David’s Trust is formed to save the building from demolition, for the Auckland region.

2015    The Art of Remembrance project featuring the brass quatrefoils of artist Max Gimblett ONZM becomes the most successful art-based fundraiser in NZ history, raising $1 million for the preservation of St David’s.

2018    The Trust campaigns for the building to be protected by the Auckland Council Heritage Advisory Panel.  St David’s Memorial Church becomes a Category A Historic Heritage Place.

2021    With the help of New Zealanders nationwide, the Trust creates To the Stars, a movie that captures a vision for the place as a centre for music.  Through a nationwide campaign, the Trust fundraises to buy the building, supported by thousands of New Zealanders.   A new name, Friends of St David’s Trust Kāhui Rangi Pūpū (the Māori name has many meanings, including “gathering place of the heavenly trumpets”), and simply Kāhui St David’s for the fledgeling institution, is given to the Trust by Kaumatua.

2023    The Chief of Defence Air Marshal Short sent Deputy Chief of Army Brigadier King to unveil the Lamp of Remembrance, which is now illuminated daily to honour all members, current and retired, of the Armed Services.\

2024    Following 2.0 years of restoration work post-purchase, made possible through grants, donations and volunteer inputs, with intermittent usage of the building, the doors re open on ANZAC Eve to serve the New Zealand public.  Events, gatherings, weddings and funerals.  The 28th Māori Battalion is honoured with a plaque of remembrance installed in the Great Hall.  All New Zealanders are made welcome to be at home at Kāhui St David’s.

KĀHUI ST DAVID’S

St David's Memorial Church
70 Khyber Pass Rd
Auckland, 1023
New Zealand