Kāhui St David's: A Place of Gathering for Music and Remembrance

At Kāhui St David’s everyone is welcome. Whatever religion, non-religion, cultural background, ethnicity and however you identify, please feel at home here” says Paul Baragwanath, Director of Kāhui St David’s. 

Kāhui St David's is a centre for music-making, inspiration, and social connection, located in the historic St David's Memorial Church building in Auckland, New Zealand. The name "Kāhui" means "the gathering" in the Māori language, reflecting the centre’s goal of serving all New Zealanders. 

Paul’s Grandfather, the late, Very Rev Owen Baragwanath, was Minister of St David’s from the 1950s to the 1970s.  He took part in the 1943 Treasury Islands campaign in the Solomons, the first opposed landing by New Zealanders since Gallipoli.  He was Chaplain to the 3rd NZ Division and later Chaplain Commandant to the New Zealand Military Forces.  

More Than Just a Venue: Kāhui St David's is a venue for events, and it is also a "living memorial" that honours those affected by war, and their hopes for a better future.  This Category A historic heritage place was saved in large part because of its military heritage. The Lamp of Remembrance, first illuminated in 2023 by Brigadier Rose King, now Chief of Army, is illuminated daily. 

The charitable trust which owns and is the guardian of the building, is developing programmes to connect and inspire the community through music.  It is also specifically working to develop music and performing arts-based opportunities that support and uplift veterans.

Events and Activities, discounts for Veterans

To honour those who have served, the Trust offers discounts for all current and former members of the NZDF, and their families. 

This includes bookings for weddings, funerals and other gatherings.  Booking an event here also helps preserve this living memorial for current and future generations.

Some recent public events include: "Anzac at Kāhui St David’s - Centre for Music": This event on Anzac Eve featured performances by musicians playing taonga pūoro, bagpipes, piano, vocals, and pipe organ. It was a capacity crowd, all standing to honour veterans of all stripes who paraded into the Great Hall.

In 2024, the late Sir Bom Gillies gave his blessings for a plaque that would honour the 28th Māori Battalion. The plaque was unveiling by whānau of the 28th, and sits nearby plaques dedicated to the 29th and 30th Infantry Battalions, near the Sappers’ Memorial Chapel and RNZE Window.

"Art of Remembrance": This exhibition showcases a series of silkscreen-on-brass artworks by Sara Hughes, inspired by nature, music, and hope for the future. Proceeds from the sale of these artworks support the centre’s development.  A limited number remain available to purchase www.KahuiStDavids.nz(external link) 

A Hub for Music and Community: Kāhui St David's encourages the engagement of musicians for events, supporting musical careers and fostering a vibrant musical community. The centre’s director, Paul Baragwanath, emphasizes the importance of celebration, participation, and coming together in a beautiful and meaningful environment to feel connected.

Stay Connected: To stay updated on events and news, you can sign up for the Kāhui St David's newsletter www.kahuistdavids.nz/contact(external link) or follow them on Facebook and Instagram @KahuiStDavids. You can also contact the centre directly for event enquiries or to learn more about the spaces, upcoming events and programmes in development contact@KahuiStDavids.nz