Cyclone Gabrielle: Second relief concert in Auckland features artists Stan Walker, Fat Freddy’s Drop and Che Fu

Kiwi artists have decided to come together again to help raise money after the success of the Christchurch relief concert, which raised more than $200,000 for communities affected by Cyclone Gabrielle.

Artists including Stan Walker, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Troy Kingi, Che Fu, Three Houses Down, Ria Hall, Drax Project, Anna Coddington, Muroki, Bella Kalolo-Suraj and King Kapisi are set to perform at a free concert at Parrs Park in West Auckland on March 25.

Guest presenters Moana Maniapoto, Matai Rangi Smith, Stacey Morrison, Neil Waka, Peata Melbourne, Julian Wilcox, Luke Bird, and Marcia Hopa will host the event, which runs from midday until 7pm.

The concert, named Maranga- Rise Up Aotearoa, has been organised by Whakaata Māori Tāhuhu Rangapū and the Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency.

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It will be broadcast live on television and online by Whakaata Māori, ensuring all New Zealanders could be involved in a national effort.

Whakaata Māori Tāhuhu Rangapū Shane Taurima said the support of artists, entertainers and organisations for the national concert was at its best.

“The aroha and commitment from those who will be front of stage to the many working behind the scenes has been humbling and inspiring. It means every dollar donated will go to the whānau and communities who need it most,” he said.

Guest presenter Maniapoto said: “We cannot fix what is badly broken. But music can help us feel together in painful times, unite through action and make a difference for others, even just for a moment.”

Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency will also recognise the efforts of rescue and rebuild workers and volunteers on the ground.

The event comes after the Ōtautahi 4 Aotearoa Cyclone Relief Concert at the Christchurch Town Hall, which was headlined by Lorde, Neil Finn and L.A.B last Friday.

The tickets were snapped up in less than six hours, raising more than $200,000 for the Red Cross.

The artists – along with the venue and staff – donated their time and resources for the fundraiser. Ticketek also waived its booking fees.

The Red Cross has been setting up and managing Civil Defence Centres and providing essential supplies such as stretchers, blankets and hygiene kits in the wake of last week’s cyclone, as well as having staff who are trained in psychosocial support to help those forced from their homes.

The clean-up of communities across the North Island is expected to cost billions of dollars.