140,000 People Through Waka Maori In Three Days

To: editor@scoop.co.nz

News Release For immediate release October 16, 2011

140,000 People Through Waka Maori In Three Days

It has been a big time at the Waka Maori event on Auckland’s waterfront with 139,700 people (as at 5pm today) going through the complex over the three days since it opened.

The whole Waka Maori event has been teeming with people there to see the shows, look through the Maori Rugby Exhibition or just see what all the fuss has been about.

Project director Renata Blair says while the numbers show there is real interest, but Waka Maori is about more than just numbers.

“It is a pleasure for Maori to share their culture and for Maori it is a delight to be able to have quality engagement with visitors and have the chance to talk and laugh together.

“Waka Maori is achieving what we wanted which was that foreign visitors and New Zealanders are able to see our culture as a living and breathing part of this country.”

He says it has been a family friendly atmosphere on the waterfront with the sun shlning and people out to experience everything as they walk from the Cloud to Waka Maori and then over the Te Wero Bridge to Wynard Quarter.

Blair says people have been generous in their comments as they expressed appreciation for being able to see some Maori culture and entertainment.

“People are saying they are proud to be Kiwi when they come through.

“We have also had quite a few known rugby players through Waka Maori over the weekend. Sir Brian Lahore told our guys how impressed he was, as did Todd Blackadder. Eric Rush was in as well as Murray Pierce, Bull Allen and John Kirwin.

Peter Potaka, the manager of the Maori All Blacks, who has been at the Maori Rugby Exhibition for the three days says there has been great feedback.

“We have even had people in tears as they look for a grandfather or family member’s name on the roll of honour of Maori All Blacks. It has been something quite special.”

It is a big night as well on the waterfront. Renata Blair says he is expecting numbers to be big for the remainder of the tournament.

END