Amplifier

Some of the country's best known musicians are getting behind the Rise Up Christchurch - Te Kotahitanga Telethon on 22 May.

Six60, OpShop, Dane Rumble, Kids of 88, Anika Moa, The Checks and Annabel Fay are among the top Kiwi artists already confirmed for gigs in New Zealand and overseas. Others will be announced soon.

The musos will be joined by some mighty TV talent including cast members from hit shows such as Outrageous Fortune, Go Girls, Shortland Street, Spartacus and The Almighty Johnsons.

The organisers have also announced the three main New Zealand venues for the 12-hour telethon which is being broadcast by Māori TV on Sunday 22 May from 9am to 9pm.

In Christchurch the venue is the city's CBS Canterbury Arena, one of New Zealand's largest purpose-built indoor sports and entertainment venues, only ten minutes from Christchurch central city.

The Wellington telethon activities will be broadcast from The Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa. In Auckland, the venue is the Trusts Stadium Arena in Henderson.

Rise Up Christchurch - Te Kotahitanga Telethon spokesperson Brooke Howard-Smith says the response to the event has been "mighty".

"We are absolutely stoked to have such talent on board already and there's more to come soon," Howard Smith says.  "So many people are coming forward with offers of help...we're just so grateful for every offer no matter how small."

Howard-Smith says there's room for everyone in the event.

"There are many, many ways for people to be part of this global event. You can issue a challenge, make a donation, set up fund-raising at your school or uni or work place."

On the day, venues are free to get in but visitors will be asked to make a donation at the door.
 
Artists lending their support to the Telethon are The Feelers, Six60, I Am Giant, Dane Rumble, Opshop, Kids of 88, Anika Moa, Annie Crummer/Will Crummer, The Jordan Luck Band, Young Sid, The Checks, Lugar Boa, Annabel Fay, Iva Lamkum and Elizabeth Marvelly.

More will be revealed over the coming days.