Lorde is part of a massive lineup of artists set to perform at two benefit concerts raising money for those affected by the Christchurch terrorist attack. Other performers include Dave Dobbyn, Marlon Williams, Anika Moa and many more.
Lorde Photo: RNZ
Two concerts are to be held in Auckland and Christchurch in April to raise money for those affected by the Christchurch terror attack. All proceeds from the You Are Us/Aroha Nui events will go to the Christchurch Foundation’s Our People, Our City fund.
Lorde will be making a special appearance at the Christchurch concert.
Organisers have yet to confirm which musicians are performing in each centre, but the full list of artists who are taking part includes:
- Anika Moa
- Bailey Wiley
- Bene
- Bic Runga
- Boh Runga
- Chaii
- Christchurch Combined Choir
- Dave Dobbyn
- The Exponents
- Fat Freddy’s Drop
- Hollie Smith
- Illbaz
- Marlon Williams
- Melodownz
- Mitch James
- Seth Haapu
- Shapeshifter
- Shihad
The events will be emceed by comedian Mike King.
The You Are Us/Aroha Nui concerts are in addition to the national day of remembrance, which takes place on Friday, March 28. A remembrance day service is being held in Christchurch with performances from Yusuf Islam/Cat Stevens, Marlon Williams, Maisey Rika, Hollie Smith and Teeks.
Jon Toogood told Morning Report the You Are Us/Aroha Nui concerts were a chance for a statement of unity saying "no" to the ideology of the Christchurch attacker.
Toogood is a convert to Islam, marrying Muslim woman Dana Salih in 2014. "What happened in Christchurch hit me on three levels actually," he said.
Dana and Jon getting married Photo: courtesy of Jon Toogood
"Firstly, my Muslim brothers and sisters got hit. Secondly, as a Kiwi, it was an attack on my country. And then thirdly, and I think most importantly, it was an attack on reason, and civil society and humanity.
"My son and daughter are Muslim ... my in-laws are Muslim, so it really has affected us quite hard."
Toogood said he has spent the last couple of weeks going to interfaith meetings in Australia where he lives.
"It has been huge over here, especially since [the person arrested for the attack] was an Australian."
Jon Toogood
Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel said she was pleased the New Zealand music industry was getting behind the fundraising effort for those affected by the attacks.
“The impact on our Muslim communities has been huge and they are going to need ongoing support for a very long time. The response of the music industry has been magnificent and we are all grateful for the significance of this contribution to the Muslim community’s long term recovery,” she said.
Many of those involved in the concert are taking part for free, and Ticketmaster and Ticketek will donate the booking fees from purchased tickets to the Our People, Our City fund.
Photo: Supplied
You Are Us/Aroha Nui, raising money for the Our People, Our City fund:
- Auckland, Saturday, April 13 | Spark Arena
- Christchurch, Wednesday April 17 | Christchurch Stadium
Tickets for the Auckland show go on sale at 12pm on Thursday, March 28. Tickets for the Christchurch show go on sale at 12pm on Friday March 29. Ticket prices are $79.00 for adults and $39.00 for children (12 years old and under).
The organisers of You Are Us/Aroha Nui urge patrons to only purchase tickets from the events authorised tickets sellers.
- Auckland – ticketmaster.co.nz | 0800 111 999 | tickets on sale on sale at 12pm on Thursday, March 28
- Christchurch – ticketek.co.nz | 0800 842 538 | tickets on sale at 12pm on Friday March 29
For those wanting to donate separately, you can give to the Our People, Our City fund. Full accounting figures will be made available on completion of both events at www.youareus.co.nz.