You Are Us / Aroha Nui, Spark Arena, Auckland – 13th April 2019

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Love, unity and hope was a theme throughout the night with NZ’s music family joining together, in the wake of the Christchurch Terrorist attack on 2 Mosques tragically leaving 50 dead and many injured.

All proceeds from the sold out show go to the fund Our People, Our City, established by the Christchurch Foundation.

Speakers openly shared personal issues, such as with their mental health or prior secret prejudices.

“Fight hate with love” encouraged MC Mike King, New Zealander of the Year for his services to Mental Health with his anti-suicide campaign I am Hope.

Ngāti Whātua-o-Ōrākei’s Powhiri, by Sharon Hawke, with the audience singing Whakaaria Mai was a beautiful Opening.

Mike King introduced Dave Dobbyn, with his 3 piece band, performing Welcome Home…’from the bottom of our hearts’. The audience lit up their cell phones like flickering candles.

Via video Jacinda Ardern, our NZ Prime Minister, internationally applauded for her outstanding unifying humanitarian leadership approach of genuine compassion in response to the Terrorist attack, was all smiles of positivity for our people’s future.

Bene confidently performed two songs Soaked; then Tough Guy…’Something about you boy, something in my brain’. Whilst looking at the huge audience she exclaimed the cutest line of the night “Holy Crumble Cakes!”

Mike King shared how, after the Christchurch massacre, with his wife and 5 year old daughter Charlie Sue, they visited a local Papatoetoe Mosque. There he met a Muslim man who said “The man who did this is not you, he is one man.” Mike admitted previously he had been a bit racist, but now “All I see is beautiful people”. Later curly haired Charlie Sue danced happily on stage.

Persian-Kiwi Rapper CHAII performed Digebasse / Enough. She raps in both English and Farsi from her birth country of Iran. ’This is positive vibe’.

Stan Walker, with Seth Haapu and band, took us emotionally biblical with Amazing Grace / I Surrender. Stan chose Crowded House’s Don’t Dream It’s Over, with the audience happily participating singing. Stan said the message of this song is “Always hold on to hope. Never let go of hope.” He then lead the crowd to sing the National Anthem stirring the hearts of all in attendance.

The Dilworth Choir harmonised in unison beautifully “We Are One”. Leading to Jason Kerrison joining them for a powerful rendition of Hallelujah. Jason wearing a black eyepatch, due to a scratched cornea. He spoke of his girlfriend Adele and he who live in Kaitaia, seeing a low lying Rainbow and her expressing “Even Rainbows have low days”. They are establishing The Great Northern Retreat in the far North, for people who need to build themselves up emotionally again. Jason urged us “Not to compare yourself to others, but to Do You!”

Representing the Red Cross, Rachel, spoke of what her organisation’s role is, to “Save lives and alleviate suffering”. After the Christchurch Terrorist attack “We saw Kiwis sharing the best of humanity.” People gave Muslim people hugs on the street. Neighbours gave them flowers. Reminding us to “Say no to Racism in every form it takes”.

Illbaz Collective also engaged the crowd with a selection of their hip-hop / Rap. Sugar performed by Bailey Wiley and Jess B. Jess B has star quality with outstanding talent in voice and dance. Exuding style in her blue Adidas suit with her swag dance moves. Also featured Midnight Cruise with Diggy Dupe.

Mike King asked the Arena “What did the DJ have on his coolest T-Shirt ever?” The crowd repeatedly yelled back “Fuck Racism!”.

SWIDT the hip hop collective from Onehunga delivered. Their hip hop was strong and loud, their dancing high energy, igniting the crowd!

Mitch James sang Angels, by Robbie Williams, Mitch’s mother’s favourite song, which now has new relevance to him after the 50 killed in Christchurch. Mitch’s rendition with the audience lighting up their phones and singing was one of the evening’s highlights.

Mitch James spoke to Mike King about his personal troubles in the past, saying “It’s okay to not be okay”. …”Spread love and nothing but love”.

Shapeshifter proved why they are known for their live shows blending heavy soul with drum and bass. They got everyone dancing, energising the arena with Stars, Monarch and In Colour.

Anika Moa and Hollie Smith sang a duet together Running Through Fire and Part of Me. Don McGlashan joined Anika and Hollie on stage with the Dilworth Choir for Bathe in the River. Teeks joined Hollie for How Great Though Art, with some sung in Te Reo. Hollie lifted the roof off the Spark Arena with her powerful range. Originally Hollie and Teeks were to release this in the same week the Mosque shootings took place.

Marlon Williams, award-winning singer-songwriter and guitarist from Lyttelton, Christchurch, sang with feeling a sweet “Make Way for Love”.

Six Sixty performed Closer, Vibes and their version of the National Anthem “Roots”. Everyone joined in singing “Don’t forget your roots my friends, don’t forget your family”.

Ikhlaq Kashkar, President of the Muslim Association spoke “We cannot be separated by their hate.” “We are all New Zealanders and we will not allow that fringe element to divide us”.

Dave Dobbyn returned with Bic Runga for a beautiful duet of Beside You. Slice of Heaven had all the headliners of the night join Dave Dobbyn on stage for this heartwarming grand finale.

As the smiling, inspired audience left Spark Arena we felt hope. Aroha Nui Aotearoa.

~Fiona Tarlton

 

Click any image to view a gallery of photos shot by our reviewer Fiona Tarlton during the show.

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