Media release
27 January 2015

Home grown talent headlines 175th festivities

A free, family friendly concert at Barry Curtis Park on Waitangi Day, produced by Auckland Council in partnership with Toi o Manukau, will mark the 175thanniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.

Wellington based reggae group Tomorrow People headlines a strong line-up that includes Annie Crummer, Moana and the Tribe, Tama Waipara and Whenua Patuwai. Comedian Mike King will host the event.

“Toi o Manukau is proud to work in partnership with Auckland Council to present this Waitangi Day event in Manukau and 2015 will mark the 17th year of this offering in the region.

The day offers an opportunity for the community to commemorate the Treaty of Waitangi through the sharing of music, arts and culture. We invite you to join us for a day of celebration, education, culture and entertainment”, says Toi o Manukau Co-Chair Nigel Borell.

Mayor Len Brown says, “February 6th this year is particularly significant, marking the 175th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.

“It’s the day when Māori and Pākehā came together as one people, but it has also come to symbolise the unity of all our communities and cultures.

“Events like this, where all Aucklanders can come together and celebrate, are a great of example how Auckland has become the vibrant multicultural place it is.”

The day-long free event offers Aucklanders and their families, a destination to gather and have fun through sharing music, crafts, entertainment and food.

The concert, the region’s largest Waitangi Day event, begins at 10am with a mihi whakatau - ceremonial welcome - and kapa haka performance from Manurewa Marae, Te Tai Tonga. South Auckland all girl group Soul 7, kick off the live stage show at 11am followed by Moana and the Tribe.

New to the event this year is Auckland Museum’s popular summer children’s programme, Tāmaki Tales. Youngsters can listen to stories, design a street flag, weave a tututuku, handle Taonga Puoro and watch master carvers work on a variety of commissioned pieces.

On show also, nine replicas of the original signing sheets of the Treaty of Waitangi.

The day is focused on providing a safe, zero waste, alcohol and smoke-free experience, encouraging Aucklanders to make the most of the fantastic free local music acts whilst learning more about our unique history in a relaxed whānau friendly setting.

ENDS

Notes to Editor:
What / Where / When
Waitangi Day, Friday 6 February 2015
Cultural Lawn, Barry Curtis Park, 163 Chapel Road, Flat Bush, South Auckland
10am -5pm
Free event / alcohol, smoke and drug free
Parking available at venue
Link to online map here: http://goo.gl/maps/0It0c

2015 programme:
1000 Mihi Whakatau: ceremonial welcome
1100 Te Tai Tonga Kapa Haka
1200 Moana and the Tribe
1600 Tomorrows People
1700 Close

Tamariki zone: Popular children’s area, incorporating for the first time the Auckland Museum Tāmaki Tales summer programme of activities including storytelling and weaving. Master carvers on site.

Marketplace: A shopping village full of a variety of stalls selling healthy kai, arts, crafts, clothing and merchandise along with information stalls.

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