Art of Remembrance
Description
We will remember them at the Art of Remembrance 2026, an annual musical night of remembrance in the Great Hall of Kāhui St David’s, Auckland’s living memorial. On Friday 24 April, join veterans, whānau, and the wider community for an unforgettable evening honouring all members and veterans of the New Zealand Defence Force.
The night features a rich musical and storytelling programme. Unsung Heroes perform original songs and readings from wartime letters, including Cameron Bennett, veteran foreign correspondent, with “Letter to Darkie”, recounting a letter sent to his grandfather from the Western Front. Chris Priestley presents “3 Telegrams (Dad’s Song)”, introduced by Peter Elliott ONZM, TV star and percussionist, telling his father’s story of the battle at Takrouna Hill in Tunisia.
Hear David Harvey on Scottish bagpipes, pūoro by Riki Bennett, University of Auckland Student Choir, hymns led by soprano Michelle Thorne-McHugh, the Off Broadway Big Band and Helen Lukman-Fox on the great pipe organ, with all attendees invited to join in.
The night will begin with a parade of veterans in to the Great Hall. It will include the Last Post, Minute of Silence, and The Rouse and the ceremonial relighting of the Lamp of Remembrance for the year ahead. We will also hear from members of the New Zealand Defence Force.
Join us afterwards for hospitality, and to take a moment to thank our veterans.
Pay-what-you-can. All welcome.
The Art of Remembrance is made possible thanks to the support of the Uptown Business Association, Waitematā Local Board, Sir Stephen & Lady Tindall, The Sir William and Lady Manchester Charitable Trust, Angus Muir Design, Jessica Chloe Photography, and ongoing support from Awhero Nui Charitable Trust, other patrons, friends and volunteers.
Kāhui St David's
Within the Great Hall of St David's Memorial Church, the is the Lamp of Remembrance that honours all veterans. In addition, there are plaques that highlight the Royal Zealand Engineers, the Royal New Zealand Nursing Corps and the 28th Māori Battalion. There are also plaques to the 29th and 30th Infantry Battalions (WWII).
VETERANS - special note
Please email contact@KahuiStDavids.nz to let us know you are coming. You can be part of the military and veterans' parade into the Great Hall, and for this, we need to reserve your seats (for you, and your guests).
Wreaths
If you are bringing a wreath, please let us know in advance so we can ensure there is room for it. Thank you!
Lineup
Unsung Heroes
*Unsung Heroes* ensemble commemorates New Zealand’s past through music, storytelling, and historical imagery. Featuring Peter Elliott (cajón/narration), Cameron Bennett (guitar), Chris Priestley (guitar), and Nigel Gavin (7-string guitar), the group brings ordinary New Zealanders’ extraordinary experiences to life. Introduced by ONZM recipient actor Peter Elliott, each performance blends original songs with readings from letters, memoirs, or newspaper clippings, accompanied by archival slides and video. Cameron Bennett, former foreign correspondent who reported from war zones worldwide, presents “Letter to Darkie”, inspired by the service of his grandfather on the Western Front and a letter from a comrade that captures the loss and sorrow of Flanders and France. Chris Priestley follows with “3 Telegrams (Dad’s Song)”, introduced by Peter Elliott reading from his father’s memoirs of the battle at Takrouna Hill in Tunisia, highlighting a story rarely spoken of but deeply felt. Through these songs and stories spanning World War I and II, Unsung Heroes honours sacrifice, resilience, and remembrance, ensuring these personal histories are seen, heard, and felt.
The Off Broadway Big Band with soprano Michelle Thorne-McHugh
The big band with Michelle Thorne-McHugh will lead the National Anthem together with organist Helen Lukman-Fox, and also the 28th Maori Battalion song, O God our Help and Whakaaria Mai - How Great Thou Art. This glorious big band will also play on with period tunes from WWI and WWII after the formal part of the night concludes.
University of Auckland Student Choir
This superb choir conducted by Dr Jono Palmer comprising 30 singers on the night will sing two sacred songs. Te Aroha by Te Puoho Katene followed by Blessing by David Hamilton.
Helen Lukman-Fox on Vera, the great pipe organ
Hear Helen Lukman-Fox play on Vera, the great 1904 pipe organ that has been the subject of a three year restoration project by volunteers. Experience the whole Great Hall become a musical instrument when the organ plays.
Hospitality
Join us for complimentary tea, coffee, milo, Anzac biscuits and hot soup (includes vegan option) afterwards in the Garden Room
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
