Waitangi Day Festival '08

From City Scene, published on 20 January, 2008

Waitangi Day Festival '08, Okahu Bay, 6th February 2008 9am - 6pm.

For the first time, Ngati Whatua o Orakei Maori Trust Board and the council will together host a free celebration of Waitangi Day at Okahu Bay on Wednesday, 6 February.

Waitangi Day Festival '08 will be a family event rich in tradition, culture, food, art and live entertainment.

Councillor Greg Moyle, chairperson of the council's Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee, says the time is right for an event recognising the significance of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, and the relationship between the council and Ngati Whatua. "Waitangi Day presents an unrivalled opportunity for the Auckland community to celebrate and acknowledge our Maori culture and heritage," he says. "This is the first event of its kind and scale to be staged in Auckland, and we're excited about the opportunities it presents."

Rangimarie Rawiri, secretary of the Ngati Whatua o Orakei Maori Trust Board, says the event is an outcome of the historically positive relationship developed between the council and Ngati Whatua o Orakei over the management of Bastion Point.

"Waitangi Day Festival '08 will be a momentous occasion for our people and all Aucklanders to acknowledge the joint founding of this nation and this city," she says.

The closure of Tamaki Drive from approximately 8.30am to 10.30am will connect land and sea for the festival's key event at 9am – the re-enactment of Hobson's arrival to Okahu Bay in 1841. An official party will arrive via classic sailing ships, provided by the Auckland Maritime Museum, and be welcomed by Ngati Whatua in the same way Hobson was 167 years ago. Members of the public are encouraged to participate in this event.

Following the official welcome, the family festival will feature live entertainment by Ardijah, Ben Lummis, House of Shem and Cornerstone Roots, traditional food, art, stalls, a waka-themed playground, farm animals and children's rides.

The Auckland Regional Transport Authority is also supporting the festival, and those who travel to the event by bus will go into a draw to win prizes.