Acclaimed Māori Artist Peata Larkin Launches New Art Series To Help Save Kāhui St David’s

Art fundraiser to keep Auckland music centre open for community

Kāhui St David’s, the much-loved music centre in central Auckland, has announced a new art project featuring acclaimed New Zealand Māori artist Peata Larkin.

Larkin, whose soaring 3,360m2 artwork adorns the New Zealand International Convention Centre which is set to open in February, has created a series of four new artworks, silkscreen on brass, representing the four elements — earth, air, fire and water — which will be unveiled and available for sale on Monday, 1 December. Proceeds from the artworks will help keep Kāhui St David’s music centre operating for the next two years — bridging a critical funding gap brought on by New Zealand’s ongoing economic recession and lack of arts funding.

The artworks, titled Aumārire_Harmony, will be revealed at a musical event that will feature emerging music star Hina, the voices of Auckland Choral and Kāhui St David’s great Pipe organ. “It’s a celebration of art, music, and Christmas - and a shout-out for help” says Paul Baragwanath, Director of the Kāhui St David’s charitable trust.

“We are down to our last dollars. The environment is tough, and the art is a way for New Zealanders to support, and purchase an outstanding artwork that will become part of New Zealand art history.” “Peata Larkin is a standout contemporary New Zealand artist whose work is unique. Visually beautiful, and deeply grounded in her Māori heritage. Her generosity in creating this artwork is inspiring - and we hope it will inspire others to also open their hearts and support the cause.”

A centre for music, memory and connection

Kāhui St David’s — formerly the historic St David’s Presbyterian Church — has been lovingly restored and transformed into a space for music, creativity and human connection. Built in 1927 as The Soldiers’ Memorial Church, it stands as a living memorial to New Zealanders who served in war.

While it no longer functions as a traditional church, Kāhui St David’s has become a multi-faceted event venue with exceptional acoustics, a 1905 Croft pipe organ, and a rich history of community use. It hosts a range of events and music-based programmes for the community, from music concerts and wearable arts shows to weddings and remembrance ceremonies.

The centre is also home to the Royal New Zealand Engineers, the 28th Māori Battalion and NZ Army Nursing Corps, and its Lamp of Remembrance — the only one of its kind in the country — honours all current and former members of the New Zealand Defence Force.

Facing tough times

Despite its success and popularity, Kāhui St David’s faces major financial pressures. Rising insurance costs alone total $50,000 per annum, and post-pandemic economic headwinds have reduced charitable giving.

Baragwanath says the goal is simple: to keep the doors open and the music playing until the recession passes.

“Our kaupapa is to honour those who serve, and to create a space where people can connect through music and the performing arts. Peata’s generosity and exceptional artwork gives New Zealand a chance to keep openthe doors of this music centre and living memorial.”

Event details

Art Opening: Peata Larkin, Aumārire_Harmony

When: Sunday 1 December 2025 Time: 7pm

Where: Kāhui St David’s, 70 Khyber Pass Road, Grafton, Auckland

The night in the Great Hall will celebrate Christmas through art and live music, including Hina (aka Amy Boroevich), Auckland Choral, and the audience will sing accompanied by Helen Lukman-Fox on the recently restored 1905 Croft pipe organ.

All artworks are available for purchase. Proceeds support the continued operation and development of Kāhui St David’s as a centre for music and remembrance.

About Peata Larkin

Peata Larkin (Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Tuhourangi) is one of Aotearoa’s leading contemporary artists, known for her intricate and luminous works exploring the intersection of Māori identity, pattern, and spirituality. Her work is held in major public and private collections across New Zealand and internationally.

Note:

Peata Larkin’s latest series for Kāhui St David’s titled Aumārire_Harmony comprises four interconnected works representing the four elements — earth, air, fire and water. Each piece explores the balance between natural forces and human emotion, expressed through silk screen printing on laser-cut brass. The artworks reference tukutuku panels, DNA structures and whakapapa.

Her practice draws upon Māori and European spiritual and visual languages. Larkin’s XXm x XXm ceramic artwork forms the façades of the New Zealand International Convention Centre, one of the largest artworks ever created in New Zealand. Her 7m high sculpture is the centre-piece of Tauranga’s city centre, and her large-scale illuminated paintings adorn the Park Hyatt Auckland and ANZ Centre. Her work is also held in The Chartwell Collection (Auckland Art Gallery), the Dowse, Pataka and private art collections.

Larkin’s exploration of elemental balance and connection mirrors Kāhui St David’s own kaupapa — to honour memory, foster creativity, and bring people together through shared experience.

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