• Howick and Pakuranga Times
The event, which is New Zealand’s second largest attracting more than 40,000 people each year, will be held at Barry Curtis Park in Flat Bush on February 6 from 10am-6pm.
Organised by Toi o Manukau Maori, the celebration will be an exciting family day of ceremony, education, market stalls, free entertainment and rides for the little ones.
The alcohol and smoke-free event will start with an atea (ceremonial welcome) before the entertainment gets under way.
The event includes:
• Whakangahau area: A performance stage headlined by Kora, Maisey Rika, J Williams and Erakah, Sweet & Irie, world breakdance champions ReQuest plus many more.
• Tamariki zone: Children’s area with free rides and plenty of fun activities, and a special area for under-fives.
• Marketplace: Stalls selling healthy kai, arts, crafts, clothing and merchandise, along with information stalls.
• Tiriti Korero (treaty education): Information and open forums with guest speakers covering some current Treaty of Waitangi issues.
ABOUT THE BANDS
• Kora: Five-piece band with huge live presence – the vocal harmonies sail on a powerhouse rhythm section.
• Maisey Rika: A talented upcoming female singer and songwriter, whose new album Tohu is perfect for summer road trips and afternoon kicking-back with friends.
• J Williams: A member of the national champion Prestige hip-hop street-dancing crew, which came fourth at last year’s world champs. Now the Samoan from South Auckland is proving he also has the voice.
• Sweet & Irie: The creation of singer/songwriter Edward Ru, who is fronting a new wave of reggae music from the South Pacific. Their debut album features distinctive and passionate lead vocals from Ru, with lyrics influenced by the Irie legacy of legendary Bob Marley.
“We’re proud of our long association with Manukau City in presenting this event and feel the success of this day is due to the great working partnership we have with the council,” says Rose Whaiapu, chairwoman of Toi o Manukau.
Mayor Len Brown adds: “Waitangi Day is a time to reflect on the impact of the treaty on our history and future.
“Manukau’s celebrations also reflect our diversity.”
People attending for all or most of the day are advised to be sun smart, and take their sun block and umbrella.
Free parking will be available at the Chapel Road entrance to Sancta Maria College, and there will be three designated parking areas on the Stancombe Road side of the park. No-parking areas will be enforced.
