Annie Crummer to headline Matariki Whanau Festival

Council is proud to have legendary songwriter and singer Annie Crummer headlining the Matariki Whanau Festival at the Town Basin on Saturday 30 June (10am-2pm).

World famous in New Zealand for her hits 'For today', 'Melting pot', 'See what love can do' and 'Language', Annie says she is excited to be sharing her waiata for Whangarei again, “especially for the Matariki Whanau Festival, a magical time of the year – do join us!”

“I’m thankful every day to be blessed with an incredible life through music. Such a privilege to serve using my gifts when and wherever I can. Music is the perfect nourishment for my soul”.

The festival will be opened by Pu Ao and Hatea Kapa Haka groups followed by performances from Riqi Harawira and other local Maori performers.

The theme for this year’s Matariki Whanau Festival is “Mai te Maunga ki te Moana”, from the Mountains to the Sea.

This kaupapa (project) emphasises the Tai Ao (environment) and how the activities at the Matariki time of year focus on renewal, harvesting and planting. Council is working with providers and vendors to align with the zero waste kaupapa.

The Matariki Market will be based on the Canopy bridge and will feature traditional kai. Town Basin retailers are also being encouraged to provide Māori themed food and theme their premises.

Key partners Ngati Hau Health & Social Services have come on board again this year to help deliver the festival for the community. They will take the lead in providing kohungahunga (toddlers) activities for those aged under five-years-old and their whanau and they will also be hosting the kuia (grandmother) and kaumatua (grandfather) zone on the day.

Whangarei District Libraries will lead interactive workshops with fun activities in the tamariki (youngsters) area (aged 5 – 12yrs). There will be free taa moko (body and face painting), flax weaving, kite making, poi making and bubbles.

Ngati Hine Health Trust will provide an interactive space for tai tamariki (teenagers).

The main part of the festival will be located in the car park on the corner of Dent Street and Hatea Drive. The car park will be closed to parking on Friday 29 June for set up and Saturday 30 June for the festival.

ends

© Scoop Media