Carterton offers Moa new hope

Anika Moa is looking forward to her upcoming concert in Carterton's St Mark's Church and says it is a "blessing" to be taken in by them.

The Kiwi singer-songwriter was set to perform at Masterton's Lighthouse Church on March 23 as part of a series of solo shows but Up With People concert promoter Mark Rogers decided to switch venues after concerns that several members of the church were uncomfortable with hosting a lesbian performer.Moa said she has a connection to Carterton's St Mark's Church, her best friend grew up going to the church and her friend's uncle is the church organist.

"[It's an] amazing coincidence and such a blessing to be taken in by them. [It] shows me that there is hope in this sometimes cruel world," she said.

Moa performed in Wairarapa a couple of weeks ago as part of the Classic Hits Winery Tour.

"It was amazing and a fun crowd, lovely people and warm smiles," she said.

Moa tours New Zealand annually, travelling to most parts of the country and taking her music to the regions.

"It lets me know who everyone is and I get to meet the most amazing people.

"Some of them are crazy. My wife says I attract them," she said.

She recently teamed up with fellow Kiwi singer-songwriters Boh Runga and Hollie Smith and the trio released their debut album Peace of Mind .

Her favorite song on the album is Honest Mistake, sung by Runga.

"It makes me feel so sad when I hear it but I don't know what it's about because I've never asked.

"I associate it with my life, I guess, what I'm feeling or thinking. It's a very sad song," she said.

Outside of her musical career Moa has been busy looking after her "little mischievous sons", Barry and Taane.

"I have been mothering mostly, getting massages, trying to eat and drink less ... normal lesbian things, ya know," she said.

She is also trying to write another album which she says she will get around to one day.

And although she says she doesn't really believe in marriage herself, Moa supports the marriage equality bill, which recently passed its second parliamentary reading.

"I believe that it is a human right to marry the person you love. If you are a loving partner and parent then it's common sense, really," she said.

Wellington band Eb and Sparrow, who recently opened for Rodriguez, the star of the award-winning film Searching For Sugar Man, in Wellington, will play in support of Moa at her Carterton concert.

Advance tickets cost $35 and doors will open at 7pm on Saturday .