Iwi Leads Hawke’s Bay Waitangi Day Celebrations

Friday, 31 January 2014, 1:23 pm
Press Release: Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Inc

Media Release – 31 January 2014 

“Iwi Leads Hawke’s Bay Waitangi Day Celebrations”

Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi is organising Hawke’s Bay’s major Waitangi Day celebrations onThursday 6 February at Hawke’s Bay Sports Park. Kahungunu Waitangi Day ‘The Big 9’ has now grown to one of the largest national day gatherings in the country and showcases nine separate sports, arts, food and music events at the 30 hectare park.

The purpose of the day is to commemorate the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi between Ngāti Kahungunu chiefs and the crown on 24 June 1840.

One of the biggest Polynesian artists of our time, Fiji, will fly in from Los Angeles with his  dynamic show of fusion reggae, hip hop and sweet vibes.

The organisers of Kai in the Bay are bringing their iconic event to the celebrations with over 30 food traders and exhibitors providing an array of delicious kiwi and international kai for all tastes.

The biennial Ngāti Kahungunu Regional Kapa Haka competitions has attracted a record number of entries with thirteen teams vying for a top four placing. They win eligibility to compete at Te Matatini National Kapa Haka 2015 in Christchurch.

Sporting codes have organised tournaments for volleyball, touch and Ki Orahi.  The Burger King 3 x 3 National Basketball Tour makes a stopover for Under 14 years to open grade teams. A new addition is the Werohia Duathlon, a family 2km run and 9km bike ride. From10am a host of local and international performers will take to the second stage including you tube sensation Talitha Blake, Brisbane based 8 piece reggae band Paua, Belishus Bellyzone Dancers and reknown guitarist Ralph Gannaway.

Service providers are offering free heart, diabetes and health checks. Ngāti Kahungunu is launching their new Maori language stategy and there’s a wide variety of health, education and compliance services on hand to give helpful advice.

Free kiddies rides all day.

There's a world-class covered 2500 seat grandstand providing all day weather protection serviced by 60 toilets for comfort and convenience.

Everyone is welcome to enjoy New Zealand's national day celebrations. This is an alcohol free, drug and smoke/tobacco free, fizzy drink free  event with parking available.

The event is funded by Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi, Hastings District Council, Ministry for Culture & Heritage, Te Puni Kōkiri, Hawke's Bay PHO and Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga.

What:            Waitangi National Day.

Why:              Celebration of nationhood, community and family

Who:              Organised by Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi

When:           Thursday 6th February 9am to 6pm. Gates open at 7.00am.

Where:          Hawke’s Bay Sports Park, Percival Rd, Hastings

Cost:               Free. Everyone welcome.

ENDS

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