Kiwi Musicians Band Together to Fight Homelessness
Having a home to live in and food to eat is something many people take for granted – but for some New Zealanders it is a
luxury that seems so far out of reach.
After learning of the desperate support homeless families around New Zealand were in need of, a group of passionate
musicians and music industry leaders wanted to use their public profiles to help ease the problem.
Well-known Kiwi musicians Sons of Zion, Three Houses Down, Tomorrow People, Che Fu, Pieter T and Swiss, with the added
help from music promoter Pato Alvarez, have come up with a way to help support their country’s homeless. They are
joining forces to hold a concert next month to raise much-needed funds for Te Puea Marae, which is the Mangere Bridge
marae that opened its doors to feed and house families living in their cars and makeshift housing.
The concert, called Music is Love, has been organised because of the desperate support many homeless families in not
only Auckland, but all around New Zealand, were in need of.
This group of passionate musicians and music industry leaders were so inspired and humbled by the efforts of those
representing Te Puea Marae, they wanted to do their part. Ultimately, they want to raise at least $100,000 for the
cause.
Three Houses Down lead singer Charlie Pomee said it was saddening to know every day families could find themselves in a
situation where they were no longer able to support each other. The fact that children were among the homeless was even
more heartbreaking for himself and all those involved with Music is Love.
“My kids are why I wanted to put this show together,” Pomee said.
“I guess as a parent we want the best for our kids and sleeping in a car, we all know is unfair for any child.”
Sons of Zion lead singer Rio Panapa said the wonderful work Te Puea Marae leaders were doing had motivated the group to
use their talents in a meaningful way.
“Everything we do in life has to have a ‘why?’ attached to it, a reason,” Panapa said.
“My reason is whanau, and this is an awesome opportunity to use our platforms to reach and help our most needy
families,” he said.
Alvarez knows first hand what it’s like to be homeless and the fact there are others facing the same hardship is
something he wants to help end.
Alvarez, who organises the Tauranga-based One Love concert, jumped on board to support the event because of his own
experience overcoming homelessness.
“Everyone deserves a roof over their head and hot food to eat,” Alvarez said.
“I personally slept in the streets for three weeks when I arrived in New Zealand from South America 11 years ago.”
He never wanted to experience homelessness again and encouraged other businesses to get on board to help Kiwis doing it
tough.
“If we want to make a better world for the future we have to start now.”
“Being in the music industry and doing what we love to give back to those who need it is the least we can do, and
hopefully this inspires other businesses and companies to give as well.”
The bands and artists will visit Te Puea Marae the day after the concert to deliver the funds raised from ticket sales.
Music is Love will be held on Thursday, July 14 at The Studio on Karangahape Road, one of Auckland’s most popular live
entertainment venues.
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