Manukau’s Waitangi Day Celebrations Set to Excite!

Media Release
29 January 2004

Manukau’s Waitangi Day Celebrations Set to Excite!

Toi o Manukau invites all Manukau residents to Waitangi Day celebrations on 6 February 2004 at Hayman Park in the Manukau city centre.

Powhiri and speeches start the day at 10am, followed by a wide range of exciting entertainment from 11am to 6pm.

Co-ordinator Chantelle Whaiapu says that Manukau has developed a reputation for its Waitangi Day festival as a professionally organised feast of culture in a relaxing family and festive environment.

“In Manukau our Waitangi Day celebrations are an opportunity for the many ethnic groups in the city to get together and celebrate in the true spirit of harmony. The programme is a multi-cultural musical celebration, which showcases the enormous diversity and talent of our people.

“We’re excited to have the hugely popular KatchaFire, King Kapisi and Unity Pacific all performing on the day. K Lee and Lavina Williams round out our headline acts.

"Local acts include Urban Beat, some of the talent of the Kahu Records showcase, Artistry band members, and the NZ representatives to the International Battle of the Year breakdancing competition in Germany Qwik n Ezy breakers."

Injury Free Counties Manukau's Kidzone will be the place for all children and young people. This year there are 12 rides and various art and story telling activities, all free.

Mrs Whaiapu says that the arts marquee will be well worth a visit. "You’ll be able to see and participate in the creation of traditional Maori and ethnic art, including lei making, weaving and Counties Manukau Sport will provide Maori hand games, stilt walking, spinning tops to stimulate the body and the mind."

A highlight of the day will be the Treaty of Waitangi workshop/marquee starting at 1pm. Representatives from various marae will be in attendance to participate in an open discussion and debate on Treaty issues. The workshop is free of charge.

There will be plenty of ethnic foods and arts and craft stalls, giveaways, kids activities such as face painting, free rides and more. So bring your family and a picnic basket and enjoy the uniqueness that is Waitangi Day in Manukau.

This is the eighth year that Toi O Manukau and Manukau City Council have worked in partnership to hold Waitangi Day celebrations in the City. Toi O Manukau is a community organisation which acts as a catalyst for the promotion of Maori art and culture.

The day is also supported by the Ministry of Culture & Heritage, Injury Free Counties Manukau, Counties Manukau Sport, and Te Ora o Manukau - Manukau the Healthy City.

ENDS

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