MEDIA RELEASE: For immediate release March 5 2007

Russell remembers its roots and celebrates new cultures

Russell is going to party and remember its history this weekend.

Just as the yearly gathering at nearby Waitangi has evolved, the organisers hope to see a coming together of cultures in Saturday’s peaceful celebrations and a commemoration on Sunday.

The catalyst for what’s called “The Battle of Kororareka Festival”, is the 162nd anniversary of fierce fighting that took place in New Zealand’s first town and caused many settlers to flee for Auckland.

The Kororareka battle is acknowledged as the first time the police, army and navy, with the help of special recruits, worked together to defend the settlement.

Police historian Sherwood Young says the police magistrate in charge of keeping the peace help of a couple of constables at the time, was forced to calls for help from navy vessels in the harbour, which were also carrying some British army people.

Lieutenant Colonel Richard Taylor, a defence force historian, says the battle was the first time the Maori warrior, British solider and colonial militia were drawn into conflict with each other.

“As such, the battle is a watershed in the history of the NZ Army and a touchstone in the development of the New Zealand solider,” Lt Col Taylor says. “The NZ Army traces is roots back to all three distinct groups.”

When the town was taken over on March 11, 1845, townspeople were evacuated by ship to Auckland.

This year among the annual exodus back the other way will be army, police and navy representatives for the annual festivities on Saturday and commemoration on Te Maiki Hill at 7am on Sunday, March 11.

The Kororareka Marae Society, which organises the festival, hopes visitors will see how its plans for a multi cultural marae in the town will attract more tourists by calling on its history and strong cultural roots.

Along with activities like fishing contests, a market day, a float parade and a best dressed dog competition there is an entertainment feast, this year headlined by Hello Sailor.

Perennial rockers Graham Brazier, Dave McArtney and Harry Lyon will serve up their South Pacific rock n roll/Pacific reggae style with songs like “Gutter Black”, “Lying in the Sand” and “Blue Lady”.

While there are limited tickets for Hello Sailor, the rest of Saturday’s entertainment is free. The party starts with the Haeremai Kapa Haka Group and includes everything from a Bay of Islands hip hop group, a Spanish duo Julio, Whangaroa reggae band 1841, jazz singer Whirimatea Black, African Dance and DJ Jay L, who was involved in founding the original London dance scene in the 1990s.

ENDS

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