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.

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.