Neil Finn Makes a Powerful Statement at Auckland Pro-Palestine Rally

In an unexpected, yet profoundly moving moment this past weekend, Kiwi music icon Neil Finn stepped into Aotea Square, Auckland, and lent his voice to a pro-Palestine rally, delivering a stirring a capella performance of “Don’t Dream It’s Over” to a gathering estimated at 300–500 people braving the elements.

It was a poignant gesture: “I’m going to sing a song for the innocent people of Gaza and all of you who have braved this weather. Well done,” he told the crowd before launching into the familiar melody.

The gesture resonated far beyond lyrics with Finn transformed his anthem into a hymn of human solidarity. As one of New Zealand’s most enduring musical figures, his spontaneous appearance was a reminder of how music can meet politics and make a difference.

While Neil Finn predominantly lets his music speak, he has stepped into political discourse on select occasions, each marked by a thoughtful and deliberate stance.

– Christchurch Mosque Shootings (2019): In the wake of the tragic attacks, Finn announced he would quit social media “out of respect for the grieving families,” condemning the platforms for spreading “hateful ideology.” It was a rare but powerful stand, grounded in empathy and conscience.

– Sydney Lockout Laws (2019): Performing with Fleetwood Mac in Australia, Finn cheekily mocked the city’s controversial venue lockout laws, telling the audience, “You’re out of the inner city now, so that means you can have a good time.” A light-hearted jab, but one that underscored his opposition to overreach and curtailing of social freedoms.

– Refugee Detention Critique (2014): When receiving the ARIA for Best Adult Contemporary Album alongside Paul Kelly, Finn used his acceptance speech—and Twitter—to call out Australia’s treatment of refugees. “I believe the detention and mistreatment of asylum seekers is completely unacceptable,” he wrote.

These moments reflect a consistent thread: Finn’s activism is measured, grounded in principle, and surfaced when the moral stakes felt compelling.
At the Auckland rally, Finn’s choice of “Don’t Dream It’s Over” was more than timely; the song’s appeal to unity, resilience, and shared humanity resonated with the rally’s calls for justice for Gaza.

Moreover, this public show of solidarity arrives amid a broader wave of protests across Aotearoa. In late October 2023, thousands turned out in Auckland and across the country in calls for a ceasefire in Gaza. Similar gatherings swept through Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, Dunedin and beyond. Finn’s presence adds a voice of cultural weight to what has already been a powerful national discourse.

For an artist whose career has spanned Split Enz, Crowded House, solo ventures, and even Fleetwood Mac, activism isn’t core to his public persona, but when he does speak, people listen. Rather than using platforms recklessly or issuing hot takes, Finn tends to choose moments where his cultural capital can reinforce a message of compassion and justice.

Crowded House will headline Red Hot Summer 2025

The nine Crowded House shows that have sold out are:

Sandstone Point Hotel – October 18
Roche Estate – October 25
Berry Showground – October 26
Queens Park, Toowoomba – November 15
Broadwater Parklands, Southport – November 16
Seppeltsfield Wines, Barossa – November 23
Mornington Racecourse – November 29
Fremantle Prison ( CH Only ) – December 3
Fremantle Prison ( CH Only ) – December 5
Sandalford Wines – December 6

Tickets are still on sale for:

Sandstone Point Hotel’s second show – October 19
Ballarat, Victoria Park on 1 November
Yarra Valley, Rochford Wines on 2 November
Toowoomba, Queens Park on 15 November
Southport, Broadwater Parklands on 16 November
Seppeltsfield, Seppeltsfield Wines on 23 November
29 November, Mornington Racecourse

Get Red Hot Summer tickets here

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Tagged as: 80s, Auckland, Crowded House, Neil Finn, New Zealand, Palestine, rock, Split Enz