Auckland City Council
Ngati Whatua o Orakei
Joint media release

27 January 2010

Celebrate Auckland’s history this Waitangi Day

With performances by well-known Kiwi bands, traditional food and art stalls, and a dedicated kids’ entertainment stage, Waitangi Day Festival 2010 on Saturday, 6 February at Okahu Bay is not to be missed.

Now in its third year, this free family event reflects Auckland’s rich history and celebrates our culture, traditions, art and food.

Councillor Grey Moyle, chairperson of the Arts and Recreation Committee, encourages all Aucklanders to join in the community celebration and acknowledgement of our culture and heritage by attending the festival.

“The event is a great way to recognise the significance of the Treaty signing and the broader relationship between Auckland City Council and Ngati Whatua,” says Councillor Moyle.

A traditional powhiri (welcome) by Ngati Whatua o Orakei kicks off the day’s events, followed by live entertainment from New Zealand acts Cornerstone Roots, Six60, Herbs, Three Houses Down and 1814.

“The festival provides an opportunity for all Aucklanders to acknowledge the joint founding of this nation and this city together,” says Ngati Whatua o Orakei Trust Board member, Ngarimu Blair.  

As well as being strictly alcohol, drug and smoke free, Waitangi Day Festival 2010 is also a zero-waste event.

Volunteers will be on site, helping to reduce the environmental impact of waste by educating the public, separating waste and changing bins.

At last year’s Waitangi Day Festival volunteers recycled and composted over 90 percent of the waste created, stopping 5000kg of carbon dioxide emissions from going into the atmosphere.

To ensure everyone enjoys the festival, there will be some roads closures around Tamaki Drive and surrounding streets on 6 February. 

For more information about the event, road closures, transport to the event, and parking visit the Waitangi Day Festival page on the Auckland City Council website:  www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/events/

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