13 March 2011 Last updated at 11:31 ET

Hayley Westenra to host NZ Quake Aid gig

Hayley Westenra will sing the national anthem at a memorial service in Christchurch on Friday

Soprano Hayley Westenra is planning to stage a star-studded concert, dubbed Quake Aid, to raise funds for her home town of Christchurch in New Zealand.

More than 160 people died when an earthquake struck last month.

The singer will invite global stars to take part in the benefit concert, to be held in Auckland in August, she said.

"Putting on this concert is the best way I know to help - it's my way of giving back to the city that means so much to me," she said.

Westenra has postponed a New Zealand tour to plan the event.

"As a Christchurch girl I am still in shock about what has happened to my beautiful home town," she said.

"My heart breaks just thinking about those who have lost their lives and the families and friends that are now suffering."

Westenra will also sing the national anthem at a memorial service in the town on Friday and is hoping to stage a free concert for local people.