Festival Celebrates 160 Years of Kiingitanga

30 April 2018

2-Day Extravaganza Kicks Off Anniversary Celebrations

A two-day festival extravaganza will commence a year of celebrations to acknowledge the 160th anniversary of the establishment of the Kiingitanga (King Movement).

Dubbed K160, the festival on 5th and 6th May 2018 will be a mix of culture, kapa haka, music, food, and art, highlighted by a 12-hour concert, live mokopapa (facial tattoo) exhibit, fireworks display and a spectacular parade of 160 waka on Waikato River.

The festival will be held at Paterson Park, Ngaaruawaahia, and at Tuurangawaewae Marae, and entry is free. It is a whaanau friendly event and is smoke, alcohol and drug free.

Rahui Papa, said organisers expected thousands to attend what would be a spectacular occasion to celebrate the unique dimension that Kiingitanga had brought to te Ao Maaori and Aotearoa.

“As is well known, the Kiingitanga arose in the 1850s out of concern over escalating land sales and land losses during the colonisation of Aotearoa. It was about uniting the tribes and today that enduring expression of kotahitanga (unity) continues. Through unity and by working together and supporting each other we can strengthen and support our whaanau, hapuu, iwi, communities, society and wider New Zealand,” said Mr Papa.

“This celebration weekend will remember and acknowledge the creation of this unique movement, the ascension of our first King Pootatau Te Wherowhero 160 years ago and all the Ariki who followed, the contribution of the Kiingitanga to fostering pride, unity, and diversity, and the vibrancy of New Zealand’s cultural heritage.”

Rukumoana Schaafshausen, Chair of the tribal executive committee Te Arataura, said the festival weekend was open to everyone.

“In line with the values of the Kiingitanga, this festival is for all New Zealanders. We hope that our iwi from across Aotearoa and all our diverse communities come along to learn and experience Kiingitanga hospitality and our culture, kai and music. Nau mai haere mai ki te katoa,” said Ms Schaafshausen. Festival highlights include:

Saturday 5th May 2018 (Paterson Park, 10am to 10pm):
• A 12-hour free concert at Paterson Park featuring Three Houses Down, Ria Hall, Maisey Rika, Rob Ruha and the Witch Doctor, and The Koi Boys, Cook Island dancers and kapa haka performances.
• A Mokopapa exhibit. Thirty places have been offered to those who wish to acknowledge the 160th anniversary by receiving a mataora (full facial tattoo for men) or moko kauae (chin tattoo for women). Taamoko tohunga include Joni Brookings and Hohua Mohi.
• Rangatahi and tamariki activities including free interactive games and rides.
• Fireworks display.
• Over 70 kai and craft stalls and Kiingitanga learning hubs.
Sunday 6th May 2018 (Turangawaewae Marae, 9am):
• Church service conducted by the Archbishop of Aotearoa followed by whaikoorero from Iwi Leaders.
• Waikato River activities including a 160-strong welcome group and 160 puukaaea (trumpet) and puutaatara (conch shell).
• A Flotilla of 160 waka in a spectacular on-water parade.
FESTIVAL PROGRAMME:

Friday 4th May 2018
5.00PM Powhiri ki ngaa Kai Tohunga Taa
Turangawaewae Marae
7.00PM Karakia
Pare Waikato
7.30PM Wananga Mokopapa
Pare Waikato
Saturday 5th May 2018
7.00AM Te Hikinga o ngaa Kara
9.00AM Mihi Whakatau
9.10AM Ngaa Kapa Haka o Tainui
9.40AM Patea Maori Club
10.10AM Ngaa Kauwhau - Mamae Takerei
10.30AM Anuanua Dance Troupe
10.50AM Ngaa Kauwhau - Te Tatere Mcleod
1.20AM Ngaa Reo o Ratana
11.50AM Waikato University Cook Island Association
1.00PM Ngaa Kauwhau - Te Kahautu Maxwell
1.20PM Opotiki Mai Tawhiti
1.50PM Kapa Haka
2.10PM Ngaa Kauwhau - Rikirangi Gage
2.30PM Te Whanau a Apanui
2.55PM Ngaa Kauwhau - Dean Mahuta
3.20PM ImPRINTdk
4.00PM RECESS

TUU KA HIRA EXTRAVAGANZA
6.10PM Katerama Pou
6.40PM Magic, Maisey Rika & Ria Hall
7.10PM Rob Ruha & the Witch Doctor
7.50PM Maaka Fiso
8.10PM Annie Crummer
8.30PM Koi Boys
9.10PM 3 Houses Down
10.00PM Karakia Whakamutunga

Sunday 6th May 2018

7.00AM Te Hikinga o ngaa Kara
Turongo
9.00AM Te Karakia 160 o te KIingitanga
Marae Atea
10.00AM Ngaa Mihimihi o te Raa
Marae Atea
11.00AM Whiikoi ki te Taha Tika
11.15AM Ngaa Waka 160 o te Kiingitanga
Te Taha Tika
1.00PM Kai Haakari
Kimiora

For more information about this event go to www.facebook.com/Kiingitanga.

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