Our Values
Kāhui St David’s aims to honour the lives taken and affected by war, on all sides of conflict, by working to see that our peacetime meets their hopes for a better world.
Our Kaupapa
St David’s foundation stone was laid on ANZAC Day in 1927, and it was soon dedicated as The Soldiers’ Memorial Church, to be a permanent “living memorial”.
It was fondly known as the “Cathedral of the Presbyterian Church”.
It is home to the Royal New Zealand Engineers, and the 29th and 30th Infantry Battalions are honoured here.
Ministers of St David’s served in the military.
It was also home to Alcoholics Anonymous.
Since 2021, the building has been owned by a charitable trust dedicated to its preservation, and the creation of Kāhui St David’s centre for music and community within its historic walls.
Every year at Anzac Day we promise to Remember Them. The question is, how?
Kāhui St David’s aims to honour the lives taken and affected by war, on all sides of conflict, by working to see that our peacetime meets their hopes for a better world. It’s up to us.
How do we do that? We can do it through music, the performing arts, events and projects that connect and inspire us across the generations, diverse cultural backgrounds, ways of being and seeing. A core value is celebration of all that is good in the world!
Architecture of inclusiveness
The architecture of St David’s was designed on the principles of equality and inclusion. Scottish egalitarian and democratic values are built into the raked floor of the Great Hall so everyone can participate. Stairless entry and listening posts ensured access for returned servicemen post WWI. And we continue to improve accessibility for all. The latest is ramp onto the stage, so that everyone can participate.
Music of inclusiveness
From kapa haka to concerts, taonga pūoro to timpani, wānanga to West Side Story, it’s all happening at Kāhui St David’s! Join us and let’s make this world a more musical and beautiful place :0)
Whatever your event or project, we encourage you to consider a little live music to support artistic careers. And it’s just so good!
Core Principles
English
Te Reo Maori
Additional English
Additional Te Reo
Honore Mihimihi
Remembrance
Honouring thankfulness
Whakamahara
Caring
Connection
Inclusivity
Hui katoa
Manaaki Honotanga
Ranga Wairua
Inspiration
Whakaohooho
Auahatanga
Creativity
Auahatia
Whakahari
Celebration
Joyfulness
Harikoa
Whakarato
Generosity
Service (to serve)
Manaaki Atawhai
Become a 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.
To express your interest in becoming a Kāhui St David's volunteer please complete our short form below.
Join us
Interested in volunteering with us?
Fill in the form to express your interest and availability in becoming a volunteer.