Auckland to Host Memorial for Dame Jools Topp, the Beloved Topp Twins Star

On Friday, June 19, Auckland’s Viaduct Events Centre will come alive with the music, laughter, and memories that defined a generation. The public farewell to Dame Jools Topp—one half of New Zealand’s iconic Topp Twins—begins at 2 p.m. and will run for about 90 minutes.

Miriama Kamo will chair the proceedings, guiding a crowd of up to 1,650 people through a heartfelt tribute that is free to attend, though a quick online registration is required. Standing‑room tickets remained available as of Wednesday, giving those who missed the online slot a chance to be part of the event.

The guest list reads like a who’s who of New Zealand’s cultural and political scene. Friends and family will be joined by the twins’ own sister, Dame Lynda Topp; former prime minister Helen Clark; musicians Tami Neilson, Neil Finn, Hollie Smith, Anika Moa, Annie Crummer, Bella Kalolo, and composer Mereana Pitman. Political leaders—including Labour’s Chris Hipkins, deputy Carmel Sepuloni, Green Party co‑leaders Chloe Swarbrick and Marama Davidson, and Green MP Steve Abel—will also be in attendance. Performers Oscar Kightley, Chris Parker, Edward Cowley, and Michele A’Court are slated to perform.

Jools Topp’s passing was confirmed by her family and the Topp Twins’ management team. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006, the disease returned in 2021. She died at home on May 23, surrounded by her sister Lynda, brother Bruce, and close friends. The twins, who began busking in Christchurch and Auckland in the 1970s, evolved into a national treasure, blending folk music, comedy, and activism into a unique cultural force.

Three days after her death, Lynda Topp delivered a moving tribute at the Aotearoa Music Awards, noting that the twins had never rehearsed together during their 40‑year partnership—a testament to their spontaneous bond.

The memorial will be streamed live on RNZ’s website (rnz.co.nz) and will feature a gallery of photographs. After the event, RNZ will provide coverage for those who could not attend in person.

The Topp Twins were appointed Dames Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2018, a recognition of their significant contributions to the arts and to social causes. Their legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians and activists.

The farewell on June 19 offers the nation a chance to honor a performer who brought joy, laughter, and a sense of community to New Zealand for decades. The event is public, but registration is required—attendees should sign up on the RNZ website before the ceremony begins. For those who cannot be there in person, the live stream and post‑event coverage will be available on RNZ’s platform.

It will be a fitting tribute to a beloved figure whose influence extended far beyond the stage.