Aranui family festival on again

Aranui family festival on again

A top line up of entertainment including performances from Scribe and Auckland band ARDIJAH are promising to make this year’s Aranui family festival an event to remember.

Called “11Affirm ”, the festival is being held on Saturday 6 December from 11am to 4pm at Wainoni Park in Hampshire Street. It’s the second year the free event’s been held and organisers are urging people to be part of the community celebration.

“It’ s shaping up to be the biggest celebration in Aranui’s history,” says Aranui Community Trust Coordinator Rachael Fonotia.

“We want to show that Aranui is a good place to live and promote it to the wider Christchurch community. It’s a celebration of our people and our culture,” she says.

Other drawcards include entertainment from 5th Element, “QUE”, F.U.S.A and local radio personality Sharee Waitoa. Performances will be given by local cultural groups including Sagato Iakapo, Te Kotahitanga and Aranui School cultural group.

The festival aims to “open the doors of opportunity” by providing information on careers, education , and health related services in a fun family atmosphere, according to Rachael.

“A number of health organisations will be presenting information on healthy living and lifestyle choices as well as offering plenty of giveaways. There will also be several stalls dedicated to Aranui based services for youth and families,” she says.

Food from Aranui’s many local cultures will be available and entertainment for children will be part of the carnival-like atmosphere. Activities for kids include free pony rides, kite flying, rock painting, weaving, lolly scrambles , basketball and a giant mega slide.

The festival has its roots locally. The first event in 2002 was organised by the Aranui community as part of the Aranui Community Renewal Project – a partnership between the Christchurch City Council, Housing NZ and the local community. This year’s festival is being organised by the Aranui Community Trust Inc Society.

Funding for the festival is provided by community sponsors, the Aranui Community Trust Inc Society, Christchurch City Council and Housing NZ. While organisers are delighted with the level of community support and sponsorship, more is still needed. Anyone interested in supporting the day should contact Rachael Fonotia 373 9044.

If wet the event will be held at Cowles Stadium, 170 Pages Road.

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