Whakaahuru – The Gentle Singers is a small group of singers who have been working since 2014 on a specific repertoire of songs suitable for bedside singing, as well as particular vocal techniques and the skills to sing in small groups.

When we sing in communal spaces at rest homes, we sing in groups of eight to ten. For closer “bedside singing” situations, we send a team of three to four singers.

Our choir is made up of around 20 members. We come from many walks of life and have men and women in our group. Some of us have a background in palliative care nursing, and others have many years of experience singing in choirs and smaller groups. We are an incorporated society (2615972) and a registered charity (CC51743).

Our singers are invited to sing in many different situations, from social visits to the last hours of life when the sing is a way of keeping vigil, anointing and softening the energy in the room. We are trained to be sensitive to the needs of those present, and respond accordingly. We support our singers to develop resilience, as each sing will be a different experience and emotions can vary.

We post news from time to time in The Whakaahuru Singers Facebook page.

For general enquiries, to request a sing, or to apply to sing with us please contact us by email at whakaahuru@gmail.com or by phone at 022 355 6954.