Press Release

September 6, 2013

Free Cultural Event Has Some Surprises Up Its Sleeve

ATAMIRA Maori in the City brings an incredible showcase and a few surprise guests to Auckland’s waterfront this weekend

People from all cultures are flocking to Auckland’s waterfront this weekend to discover what surprises ATAMIRA Maori in the City, a free cultural event held at The Cloud and Shed 10, has in store.

The free event is the country’s largest celebration of past and present Maori culture, displaying some of New Zealand’s best chefs, artists and dancers.

Event director Alec Hawke says this year the line-up is more exciting than ever, with a few surprise guests in store.

“We’ve organised numerous activities that can entertain the whole family at ATAMIRA this year, including a few well known faces who will be coming together to celebrate New Zealand’s indigenous heritage,” he says.

The festival, which opens today and runs until 4pm Sunday, already includes interactive cooking demonstrations with MasterChef cult hero Cameron Petley, former All Black Frano Botica and ex-Warrior Gavin Hill.

Mr Hawke says there will be a well-known TV presenter joining the Men in the Kitchen as they whip up a storm and tantalise appetites with both traditional and contemporary Maori cuisine.

The ATAMIRA stage will also host a surprise guest on the Sunday afternoon. Already packed with international and indigenous talent, the entertainment promises to be a hit.

“The music is just another aspect through which people of all cultures are brought together at ATAMIRA, with groups travelling from as far as Canada to perform,” says Mr Hawke.
The festival will also host the ‘GET yr KAPA ON’ competition on Sunday afternoon. Teams will compete for the $2000 prize with their fusion of tradition and Whakaari style dance performances on the main stage.

GET yr KAPA ON organiser Piripi Menary, says the high standards in the competition means there is an impressive level of quality in the performances.

“We have a huge history internationally as some of the world’s best dancers, so it’s about keeping that momentum rolling and continuing to push Maori performance and performers to the height of excellence”.

-ENDS-

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