6 March 2014
New Look For 119th Turangawaewae Regatta
Marae tours and waka rides, exhibitions and new whanau-oriented activities will feature alongside the traditional waka
tauaa ceremonial parade at the 2014 Trangawaewae Regatta at Ngaruawahia this month (March 2014).
Held on the banks of the Waikato River at Turangawaewae Marae, the regatta will celebrate its 119th year with a range of
new initiatives aimed at promoting whanau and growing knowledge of local history and cultural activities.
This year the regatta will be held on Saturday 22 March 2014.
Among the new initiatives are:
• Hosted tours of Turangawaewae Marae. Learn the history of this iconic historical marae.
• River rides in waka. Learn to paddle a traditional river waka.
• Waka Tauaa Exhibition. Learn the history of the Marae’s magnificent waka tauaa (war canoes).
• Traditional and modern art displays including korowai, whariki, and fashion.
• Adventure activities for all ages including water slides, a climbing tower, pole joust, obstacle course,
vertical bungy, gyroscope, bouncy castles and more.
This year will also feature the comeback of one of the regatta’s most popular events – the Chase-the-Bride waka river race.
Kiingi Tuheitia and guests will be in attendance at the regatta where all-day entertainment will include kapa haka
performances, kopapa and waka ama racing, and a mini concert by Betty-Ann Monga (of Ardijah) and Friends to end the day.
The regatta is held as a fundraiser for the Marae, attracting thousands each year including international tourists.
Entry fee is $5 per adult, gold coin for school-age children, under-5s and over-65s free.
Event Details:
Turangawaewae Regatta
Friday 21 March 2014: schools kopapa racing heats
Saturday 22 March 2014:
• Gates open 9am-6pm
• Waka tauaa grand parade 11am and 3pm
• Marae tours (11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm), waka rides, exhibitions, live entertainment, kopapa finals, kapa haka, kai
and craft stalls, information and education booths, live band
Address: Turangawaewae Marae, 29 River Rd, Ngaruawahia
ENDS