MEDIA RELEASE

10 March 2013

Turangawaewae Regatta Celebrates 118 Years

Turangawaewae Regatta will celebrate 118 years of history, culture and tradition, highlighted by the parade of waka taua (war canoes), next Saturday (16 March 2013) at Ngaaruawaahia.

This historic event, which had its beginnings when the community of Ngaaruawaahia staged it as a local carnival, is open to everyone and is held to encourage and preserve customary river activities, and Waikato-Tainui culture and traditions, and to promote and foster unity. Originally held at the confluence of the Waikato and Waipa rivers, known as The Point, the regatta is now held on the lower grounds of Turangawaewae Marae on the banks of the Waikato.

The regatta features a full programme of activity including primary and secondary school kopapa (dugout) canoe racing, waka ama racing (outrigger canoe), kapa haka performances, live bands and the grand ceremonial parade of the waka taua.

At least seven waka will participate in the parade, including one from the Te Atiawa ki Waiwhetu iwi. A support group of 60 tribal members and kaihoe (paddlers) will travel through the night from Lower Hutt to transport the waka to Ngaaruawaahia.

And while the regatta has reached the grand age of 118 years, some of the waka taua of Turangawaewae are also attaining that distinction. The oldest of the waka fleet are Te Winika at 169 years (now permanently housed in the Waikato Museum), Tumanako and Rangatahi at 72 years, and Taheretikitiki II at 41 years. The latter three will be seen in full ceremonial turnout at the Regatta.

Highlights of the regatta this year include:

- 11am and 3pm: Ceremonial waka taua parade.

- Kapa haka performances from the three groups to represent Tainui Waka at the recent Te Matatini National Kapa Haka championships. This includes a performance by Te Iti Kahurangi, which finished third equal and won a raft of individual awards. Other groups are Te Pou o Mangataawhiri, which was one of the nine finalists at Te Matatini, and Ngaa Pou o Roto.

- Live entertainment by bands Tasty Brown, Ni-N-Jah, NRG Rising, and Grove Roots/Chant Down.

- Tours of Turangawaewae Marae. Offered for the first time, the tour will highlight the history and uniqueness of this iconic marae.

- Kopapa racing – heats on Friday 15 March and finals on Saturday 16 March.

- Waka Ama OC1 Dash to Taupiri and return.

- Live demonstrations of taa moko (tattoo), whakairo (carving), tii raakau (stick game), kapa haka (performing arts) and raaranga (weaving).

- Up to 50 kai, arts, crafts, education and information stalls.

- Amusement rides and sideshows.

ends

© Scoop Media