Waitangi Day At The Mount With Music And Art

Ngaiterangi Iwi

News Release
For Immediate Release
February 1, 2006

Waitangi Day Celebrated At The Mount With Music And Art

A beach concert to celebrate 166 years since the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi will be held at Mount Maunganui's main beach on Monday, February 6.

Organised by Mount-based iwi Ngaiterangi and local musician Tim Cooper, the concert will be a chance for families and young people to reflect on what the Treaty means in today's world.

Cooper says most people only see Waitangi Day as a chance for long weekend.

"We want to give people something to think about. The signing of the Treaty was so important and we want to offer an event that's appeal for our youth so they can be part of the celebration.

"In organising this concert there's been a feeling of unity displayed by our local music fraternity. They've been keen to get involved. This will be a concert that will appeal to all members of the family, with music for the children, the teens, the parents, and the grand parents."

Ngaiterangi Iwi manager, Paul Stanley says Waitangi Day is an important day to remember an event that happened in 1840.

"Waitangi Day is one day that can be used to strengthen our cultural diversities and move forward as a nation.

"Some of our whanau will greet Waitangi Day with a dawn ceremony atop Mauao, but for those sleepy heads and music buffs, listening to some great music near the base of Mauao could be an excellent alternative."

The Waitangi Day Concert will begin at 12pm next Monday at the Mount main beach and the programme showcases some of the Bay's best musical talent with Kokomo Blues, Torch Songs The Blackout Kru, Brilleaux Fusion.

TVNZ weather man Brendon Horan, who lives in Papamoa, will be the host for the event.

An art exhibition and kapahaka event will also be part of the day, both featuring the theme 'What Waitangi Day Means'.

Artists from around the Western Bay have been asked to submit works to the exhibition, which will be held around the corner at the Mount Maunganui Scout Hall in May Street,

Tim Cooper says the concert will be a significant cultural experience for all who participate.

It will be a drug and alcohol free event, and visitors will be encouraged not to smoke to ensure a family friendly atmosphere.

There will be no charge for attending the event.

ENDS

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