Iwi Lead’s National Day Celebration

Thursday, 26 January 2012, 1:33 pm
Press Release: Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Inc

MEDIA RELEASE – Thursday 26th January 2012

Iwi Lead’s National Day Celebration

Celebrate Waitangi Day with friends, family and neighbours at one of the largest gatherings in the country.

Tatau Tatau E ! Togetherness is the new name of a major event organised by Ngati Kahungunu Iwi with the aim to celebrate family, community and nationhood through dance, music, crafts, sport and food.

The iwi’s chairman says he’s looking forward to the occasion.

“Waitangi Day is our national day and the Tatau Tatau E event is a great way for our community to join together. In fact, I would encourage people from across Hawke’s Bay to come to the event,” says Ngahiwi Tomoana.

Ngati Kahungunu Iwi event manager Te Rangi Huata says he’s excited to be presenting the celebration.

“It’s fantastic that New Zealand reggae giants House of Shem is the headline act to our regional kapa haka competitions alongside Homai Te Pakipaki finalists. A great way to showcase Kiwis on our national day”

It’s the first multi activity event staged at the $20 million dollar Hawke's Bay Sports Park in Hastings and the organisers plan to make full use of the 30 hectare site.

Six teams will compete in the Kahungunu Regional Kapa Haka Competitions from Tauranga, Wairoa, Napier and Hastings. The top two teams will represent the region at the national Te Matatini Festival in Rotorua next year.

Free side show games including laughing clowns, throw the hoop, pop the balloon and shooting gallery will provide fun for all ages.

“I’m excited we can bring these traditional fair games with prizes free of charge”, says Te Rangi. “ We’ve also got free mini jeeps, merry go round, slides and bouncy castles, so we welcome families to come and have a wonderful day on us.”

A homegrown market for music, food and craft will run alongside a youth zone hosting treaty discussions, interactive arts and music workshops.

“We’re thrilled House of Shem band members will lead a workshop for young musicians’, says Te Rangi. “ Our youth can learn from the best, it’s fantastic.”

Netball and Volleyball competitions and $1,000 touch tournament will spread out into other areas of the park. Each code has room for their own parking, toilets and event services.

A world-class covered grandstand will provide all day weather protection for an expected 5,000 plus audience. Free on site parking can accommodate over a thousand vehicles and there’s easy access from the Hawke’s Bay Expressway.

This is an alcohol free, smoke free and tobacco free event.

Ngati Kahungunu is the third largest iwi with 22,000 registered members. Its tribal boundaries extend from Wairoa, through Hawke’s Bay and Tararua to Wairarapa.

When: Monday 6 February 9am to 4pm. Gates open at 8.00am.
Where: Hawke’s Bay Sports Park, Percival Rd, Hastings
Cost: Free. Everyone welcome.

© Scoop Media