Auckland City Council Media release

29 January 2009

Be a part of Waitangi Day celebrations

Aucklanders will have an opportunity to celebrate Waitangi Day on Friday, 6 February at a free festival that reflects the city's history and is rich in culture, tradition, art, food and live entertainment.

Waitangi Day Festival '09 is a family event held at Okahu Bay, that is alcohol, drug and smoke free.

The day's events will start with the arrival of dignitaries on traditional sailing yachts and a waka - a re-enactment of Governor Hobson's 1841 landing.

This will be followed by a traditional warrior greeting on the beach, and a powhiri led by Ngati Whatua o Orakei at 9am. Members of the public are encouraged to join Ngati Whatua in this official welcome.

The entertainment continues with two stages of live music by House of Shem, Opensouls, Tahuna Breaks, Herbs, Sons of Zion and many more, plus children's rides, traditional food, art, stalls and farm animals.

Arts, Culture and Recreation chairperson, Councillor Greg Moyle, is pleased that Auckland City Council is collaborating with Ngati Whatua o Orakei again this year to celebrate Waitangi Day.

"This festival is an opportunity for Aucklanders to celebrate and acknowledge the unique partnership which makes New Zealand the nation it is," says Mr Moyle.

Organisers of Waitangi Day Festival '09 will implement a zero-waste policy on the day to reduce the amount of waste disposed in landfill.

Volunteers will stay on the marae the night before the festival, before helping to reduce the environmental impact of waste by educating the public, separating waste and changing bins at the event.

Members of the public are encouraged to do their part for the environment by adopting a "pack in, pack out" attitude and take their waste home with them.

Visit www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/events for more information.

ENDS

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