Christchurch joins Pacific musicians nationwide appeal

Joint media release from Pacific Underground and Christchurch City Council.

Christchurch performing arts collective Pacific Underground are lending their hands to help coordinate a line-up of top New Zealand entertainers for the Christchurch leg of the ‘I Love The Islands’ Samoa Relief Concert to be held next Tuesday 20 October 2009 at the Westpac Arena.

After the tragic recent events in Samoa, it personally affected Scribe and Savage who lost their family villages and family members in the disaster. Along with Dawn Raid, Oscar Kightley and Ole Maiava of the Pasifika Festival in Auckland, they rapidly organised a dream line up of top NZ musicians who had no hesitation in donating their performances to this worthy cause.

Meanwhile Pos Mavaega was coordinating Pacific Underground’s relief effort when he got the call from Ole Maiava to hold off for a nationwide appeal from Pacific musicians. Within a few days, Pos Mavaega and Tanya Muagututi’a went door-knocking for outside support.

“We are joining the cause as musicians and members of the Samoan communities who have been deeply affected, said Mavaega.

“The villages of Tanya's Dad (Ulutogia) and my Dad and Mum (Manono) have been totally destroyed, but thankfully no casualties – so we’re the lucky ones.”

Christchurch musicians Ladi 6 and Parks were in Samoa at the time the tsunami hit and the recent New Zealand music awards saw Ladi 6 and Savage receive an award each for their efforts with their music.

“Some weren’t so lucky. The musos have been awesome putting their hands up and the generosity of our city is amazing,” said Mavaega.

“The Christchurch City Council and Vbase, along with members of the media, have all been so generous in their support.”

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker is encouraging local people to attend next week's concert and stand alongside the local Samoan and Tongan communities in demonstration of sympathy and support for our Pacific neighbours.

“The tragic events which took place in Samoa highlight just how fragile our environment really is and how important it is to take stock of how we must help those in need.”

Mr Parker says he contacted the local Samoan community immediately after the devastating tsunami struck and made a donation to help get the local appeal underway.

“Since that tragic day I’ve been touched by the stories of so many Samoan families who have suffered losses but who maintain such a positive nature despite their sadness.

“This concert is a testament to the fact that our Samoan and Pacific communities here in Christchurch, like elsewhere right across New Zealand, come together so quickly to show their unconditional support for each other.

“For generations music has been a way to show that support and I hope to see as many people as possible attend next week’s concert at the Westpac Arena.”

Vbase Chief Executive Bryan Pearson supported the Mayor’s sentiments.

“All of us at Vbase were saddened by the tragic events in Samoa and welcome the opportunity to support the ‘I Love The Islands’ Samoa Relief Concert,” said Mr Pearson.

“With support from the Vbase team and our event partners including Spotless, Main Event Security and OCS Cleaning Services we are pleased to provide the venue, staff and associated services at no cost.”

Scribe, Savage and Oscar Kightley will be joined by Anika Moa, Ladi 6 and Parks, Lapi Mariner, Adeaze, LA Mitchell and the Nativa Band, Mark Vanilau, Pacific Underground, A Hori Buzz, Taos, D’sendantz, Lissel Stewart, Te Kotahitanga Kapa Haka and more.

Tickets cost just $25 and are available from Ticketek www.ticketek.co.nz or the Christchurch Town Hall. The concert will start at 7pm.

Proceeds of the concert will go to the affected areas in Samoa.

‘I Love The Islands’ concerts will also take place in Auckland (19 October), Dunedin (21 October), New Plymouth (25 October) and Wellington (26 October).