Taumarere River Festival Focuses on Kaitiakitanga

Bay of Islands hapū Ngāti Manu will celebrate the cultural significance of the Taumarere River this Saturday, 27 February at Derricks Landing, right on the banks of the Taumarere river on Waikare Road.

“The Taumarere River has served an important means of sustainability and a way of living for my people of Ngati Manu for generations. It has always been our food bowl and source of traditional fishing practices, its waterways a means of transport and communication and these are the sorts of knowledge and practices we want to pass down to the next generation” says festival organiser Arapeta Hamilton.

It will also showcase the environmental project work of the Kaitiaki group this past year and promote initiatives of ecological and environmental sustainability such as the Pā Harakeke Revitalisation Development Project, the Native Tree Nursery Programme and other educational initiatives still in the early stages of planning.

Activities on the day include waka rides, a children’s fishing competition, food stalls, presentations and various project displays. Local schools and community organisations have been invited and MP for Tai Tokerau Kelvin Davis has also confirmed his attendance to speak.

The festival will conclude with a wine and cheese evening at Karetu Marae with renowned poet Mr Robert Sullivan and entertainment by local artist Asch Rose Wynyard both of Ngāti Manu descent.

The festival is open to all and starts at 9:30am finishing at 2pm. The poetry evening starts at 7:30pm – 9:30pm at Karetu marae and tickets are $10.

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