Three of New Zealand's best-known musicians are giving up time on Christmas Day to entertain those less fortunate than themselves.

Neil Finn and the Topp Twins are performing free at the Auckland City Mission's Christmas dinner at the Town Hall. About 1000 people will sit down to the dinner, the country's largest.

The turkey, ham, trifle, fruit salad and a giant Christmas cake will be prepared at Devonport naval base and transported to the venue in two trucks. Auckland City missioner Diane Robertson said although the public focus tended to be on the dinner, the call on mission services was overwhelming. She expected next week to be the busiest as hundreds of disadvantaged families tried to prepare for Christmas.

Last year the mission ran out of food just before Christmas, and to make sure it doesn't happen again this year, it is still appealing for food, money or any other help.

Over Christmas the mission will help feed more than 12,000 struggling Aucklanders and supply food to 73 foodbanks.

People can call 0800 CITY MISSION (248 964) to make a donation, or 09 379 2395 to arrange pick-ups for food and other goods.

Christmas Day is the one day the Methodist Mission Northern does not provide a meal. But general manager Bryan Wilshire said more people had needed help in the lead-up to this Christmas than last year.