One of the country's most recognised infantry units, the 28th Maori Batallion, and one World War II's most famous battles at Monte Cassino, south-east of Rome, will be commemorated in the Far North in March as part of the 70th anniversary celebrations.
Te Waimate Mission will host an operatic concert featuring Whangarei-born soloist, Luke Bird, and the Opera North singers. Te Waimate Mission manager, Mita Harris, says the concert will have a distinctly Italian feel with singers performing a range of arias and wellknown musical numbers.
"The concert will celebrate 'Pride, Remembrance and Honour' - values associated with our soldiers - and proceeds from the concert will go towards sending a delegation to Italy to honour our fallen who died in the battle of Monte Cassino."
Luke Bird - the versatile Northland funny man, actor, singer and kapa haka exponent who last year landed the role of Monsieur Andre in the Wellington production of Phantom of the Opera - says he's "enormously excited" to be performing al fresco at Waimate.
Opera in the Park commences at 3pm on Saturday, March 15. Tickets are available through i-Sites in Paihia and Whangarei and through gate sales on the day.
