Whoop It Up on Waitangi Day Family Festivities

Honouring family diversity, Toi o Manukau will be holding the 2010 Waitangi Day Family Celebrations, Auckland’s biggest Waitingi Day event and the second biggest annual commemorative gathering in New Zealand of around 40,000 people.

With the aim to raise awareness and understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (a.k.a. Treaty of Waitangi, an agreement, in Maori and English, that was made between the British Crown and about 540 Maori rangatira or chiefs) through arts, crafts, music, and food.

Manukau Mayor Len Brown states that, “February 6 marks the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. It is a time to reflect on the impact of the Treaty on our history and our future. Manukau’s celebrations are also a reflection of our diversity.”

Among the line up of some the country’s most promising artists for the 2010 Waitangi Day Celebrations are Kora,  J Williams & Erakah, and Maisey Rika.

Coming back home from Japan just for the performance, Kora looks forward to playing in Manukau for the very first time. As Laughton Kora aptly put it, “Yeeeeeah – South Auckland, about time!” Kora’s music is a fusion of reggae, rock, dub, and roots.

Nigel Borell, Toi o Manukau Kaiwhakahaere, is thrilled to have Kora headlining the event. “Kora are a great example of a band with a distinctively Aotearoa flavour to be successful on both the national and international level. Waitangi Day is a time to celebrate our country’s cultures and successes.”

Celebrations this year will be held on 6 February, 10:00-6:00pm, at a new venue, the Barry Curtis Park in Flat Bush. The free event is smoke and alcohol free.

Free parking is available at Chapel Road entrance to Sancta Maria College and three designated parking areas on the Stancombe Road side of the park.  All parking areas will be clearly identified, thus “No Parking” areas will be enforced and so cars in breach might be towed away. Here is a parking map.

Photo credit: Cherry C. Thelmo-Fernandez