Friday 2 February 2018

Te Rā o Waitangi – fun for the whole whānau

The Capital will be celebrating Te Rā o Waitangi in style this coming Tuesday with an exciting line-up of entertainment and activities at Waitangi Park, and along the waterfront.

The events reflect traditional Māori and contemporary New Zealand culture, with amazing acts including Te Reo metal band Alien Weaponry (the only one of its kind in the world), local legends Salmonella Dub Soundsystem, and the always popular Kirsten Te Rito.

Mayor Justin Lester says the whole day is a great way for the city to come together and reflect on what the Treaty means to New Zealand today.

“Every year, Te Rā o Waitangi brings Wellingtonians together, with thousands celebrating the day with amazing local talent, food trucks and festivities for the whole whānau to enjoy.”

Taonga (treasure) from the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa will be viewable as augmented reality through an app that can be downloaded on the day. Search for the decals around Waitangi Park, look through the camera on your phone, and the taonga will magically appear.

There will also be kai and kapa haka, including a hāngī at Te Wharewaka o Pōneke.

To recognise Whairepo Lagoon there’ll be family friendly activities in the area, celebrating the whairepo, or eagle rays, which are regular visitors at this time of the year.

Te Rā o Waitangi programme

Tuesday 6 February 2018

Te Wharewaka o Pōneke, Wellington waterfront

9am: Hāngī lowered into pit, Wharewaka terraces

9.30am: Formal opening by the Mayor, welcome by the Chairs of Wellington Tenths Trust, Palmerston North Māori Reserve Trust, Te Wharewaka o Pōneke Charitable Trust and the Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust, in front of the waka house

9.45am: Traditional Waka Salute, Whairepo Lagoon

10am: Te Roopu Raranga o Manaia weaving demonstration, inside the waka house all day

11am: Kapa Haka - learn Wellington's haka Kupe Hautoa and public practice, Atea near the statue of Kupe

11.30am: Kura Ahurea artwork exhibition, Makaaro Room

12 noon: Hāngī is lifted, Wharewaka terraces

From 12 noon: kids decorating whairepo stencils designed by artist Reweti Arapere

2pm: Music entertainment, outside Karaka cafe

Waitangi Park, Wellington waterfront

12 noon: Opening blessing by Ātiawa Taranaki Whānui Official speech by Ātiawa Taranaki Whānui Chair, Wayne Mulligan

Official speech by his Worship, Mayor of Wellington Justin Lester

12.20pm: Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Mokopuna

12:45pm: Te Kura Māori o Porirua

1.20pm: Whirimako Black

2pm: Rei

2:40pm: Kirsten Te Rito

3:25pm: Rob Ruha & The Witch Dr

4:20pm: Tomorrow People

5:35pm: Alien Weaponry

6:35pm: Salmonella Dub Soundsystem

7:30pm: Kua mutu te kaupapa (event finishes)

This event is part of our #SummerCity Festival

ENDS

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