T-shirts designed by Harman Grubisa, Karen Walker and Zambesi to support You Are Us/Aroha Nui. Image by Marissa Findlay.
New Zealand will come together over the next few days to honour and raise money for the victims of the Christchurch terror attacks at two huge charity concerts in Auckland and Christchurch called You Are Us/Aroha Nui. Tomorrow, Saturday 13th April is the Auckland concert which is already sold out while the Christchurch show takes place on Wednesday 17th of April with some tickets still available from Ticketek.
An incredible line up of New Zealand’s biggest musical acts will entertain the crowds alongside performers and speakers of cultural diversity with the proceeds of both concerts going to the Our People, Our City Fund. New Zealander of the Year Mike King will host both concerts with the official line-up of performers and cultural speakers differing in each city. The events are being produced by the music industry’s top promoters working together with support from various organisations from New Zealand and other countries.
The Auckland concert will feature Anika Moa, Bailey Wiley, Bene, Bic Runga, Chaii, Dave Dobbyn, Diggy Dupe, The Dilworth Choir, Don McGlashan, Hollie Smith, IllBaz, Jason Kerrison, JessB, Marlon Williams, Mitch James, Seth Haapu, Shapeshifter, Six60, Stan Walker, Soraya Lapread, Swidt, Teeks, and more.
The Christchurch concert will feature The Adults, Amatai Pati & Moses Mackay (SOL3 MIO), Anika Moa, Bailey Wiley, Bene, Bic Runga, Boh Runga, Chaii, Christchurch Combined Choir, Dave Dobby, Diggy Dupe, Don McGlashan, The Exponents, Hollie Smith, IllBaz, Jason Kerrison, a special guest appearance by Lorde, Marlon Williams, Melodownz, Mitch James, Seth Haapu Shapeshifter, Shihad, Six60, Stan Walker, Soraya Lapread, Teeks, and more.
Leading local fashion designers Harman Grubiša, Karen Walker and Zambesi alongside New Zealand artist Ruby Jones have each created individual designs for special commemorative t-shirts for You Are Us/Aroha Nui. A very limited number of t-shirts (made with the support of Love Police) will be available to be purchased at each event only. They’ll cost $40 each with all proceeds going to the Our People, Our City Fund.
Artist Ruby Jones, whose globally-shared image of two women from different cultures embracing each other became a powerful representation of New Zealand’s resilience, explains the meaning of her design.
“This design represents us growing closer as a nation, moving forward from the Christchurch attacks. A greater closeness, a greater openness to others, which I hope will not fade into a moment, but instead will bind us to a national identity we can truly be proud of.”
You Are Us/Aroha Nui would not have been possible at such short notice and on this large scale without the help of multiple people and organisations around New Zealand. In an effort to donate the full proceeds from ticket sales, many are giving their time and equipment at no cost. Ticket booking fees will also be donated from these events. Full accounting figures will be made available online on completion of both events.
For anyone unable to attend these events but wishing to donate, you can give online to the Our People, Our City fund.