Introducing Kāhui St David’s
The treasured Soldier’s Memorial Church building is continuing as a living memorial, and is now a vital hub of musicmaking, inspiration and social connection.
About
“Kāhui” means “the gathering” in Te Reo Māori and also pays tribute to the Scottish heritage of St David’s. It was once “The Cathedral of the Presbyterian Church”. It is also home to the RNZE / Sappers’ Memorial Chapel, and the Lamp of Remembrance, dedicated to all current and former members of the New Zealand Defence Force.
The building is now owned by the registered charity, Friends of St David’s Trust, Kāhui Rangi Pūpū. The name in Māori has many meanings, including “gathering of the heavenly trumpets”. The Trust purchased St David’s thanks to a nationwide effort to save this Category A historic heritage place for the community, as a centre for music and place where everyone feels at home. Learn more about the history of the building and the work of the Friend’s of St David’s Trust on the website: saintdavidsfriends.org.nz
The building
St David’s was built as the Soldiers’ Memorial Church “to keep green the faith and courage and sacrifice” of those who gave their lives in WWI.
It is also known as St David’s Memorial Church and simply “St David’s”. It is a living memorial.
Crafted out of Oamaru Stone and Kamo Brick to the designs of Daniel B Patterson and later Horace Massey, for nearly a century St David’s served, the “Cathedral of the Presbyterian Church”.
On 29 July 2022 St David’s was purchased by Friends of St David’s Trust Kāhui Rangi Pūpū.
St David’s reflects the Scottish spirit of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Its handsome exterior belies the light-filled, warm and generous interior experience. Designed with ramp access and listening posts for returned servicemen with physical impairments, St David’s has always been an inclusive, inspiring place for all.
We will remember them.
Gifting of a Name
The Friends of St David’s Trust’s work began in 2014 with a couple of friends who invited a few more to join them to save St David’s Memorial Church. With a new responsibility in 2022 with the purchase of the church and a shift in purpose, it was time for a new name for St David’s - Kāhui Rangi Pūpū.
We acknowledge Kaumatua Tautoko Witika for the precious gift of this name.
Timeline
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.
Our people
Director, Kāhui St David’s & Friend’s of St David’s Kāhui Rangi Pūpū.
Paul Baragwanath
Recognising the threat to St David’s Church of imminent demolition, Paul established the Friends of St David’s Trust in 2014 to rally support for its preservation. He went on to conceive and lead The Art of Remembrance project raising over $1,000,000, the greatest sum ever fundraised through art in New Zealand. Paul led the development of the Trust’s comprehensive business plan and also the historic heritage hearings process and associated Te Tonga Whetu o Te Rangi Southern Star project that saw St David’s protected as a Category A Historic Heritage place. Paul and fellow trustees conceived and delivered the successful, nationwide Buy St David’s campaign and associated To the Stars film project that shared internationally the plan for Kāhui St David’s, a centre for music, community and remembrance. Paul also directs ARTTFORM, an art agency that specialises in transforming public and private spaces through art. Projects Paul has led include the facades of the New Zealand International Convention Centre, PwC Tower Commercial Bay, Park Hyatt Hotel Auckland, ANZ Centre, HSBC Tower Lobby and other corporate and not-for-profit projects.
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.