Press Release 1 January 2000
6 February 2000, 11.00 am
Okahu Bay, Auckland
Happy New Year! Now that the clock has ticked over into the new millennium, it's time for New Zealanders to examine
deeper issues affecting their country.
Racial harmony, multiculturalism and the country's 'Maori' branding have often been touted by the government, tourism
industry and advertisers as things which makes us unique.
To celebrate this uniqueness, Ngati Whatua is hosting an event at Okahu Bay on Waitangi Day to commemorate New Zealand's
identity.
Called the 'One Love NZ' Day, the event is a joint venture between Waiata Artists Trust and Catalyst Trust. Organisers
say the day will be similar to a carnival, with stalls, arts, crafts, live music and canoe making demonstrations within
the beautiful grounds of Okahu Bay. Shortland Street's Shimpaal Lelisi will also be putting in an appearance, as well as
reggae singer Tigilau Ness, father of singer Che Fu.
It will also incorporate the annual 'One Love' concert which commemorates reggae singer Bob Marley's birthday on 6
February. Labour MP Nandor Tanzos is a veteran organizer of the event and will help co-ordinate the concert though in a
lesser role because of his parliamentary commitments.
The Auckland Waitangi Day events have been run by Waiata Artists for the past four years, but it's the first time
they've officially joined forces with Ngati Whatua and Catalyst Trust ('One Love' concert organisers). Waiata Artists
are the first Waitangi Celebration organisers to webcast Waitangi events live on the internet (since 1997). Information
about this event can be found at www.pasifikanet.com or www.webworkshop.co.nz/waitangi.
In previous years, Waiata Artists' Waitangi Day events have included church services at St Matthews in the City and
presentations of the 'Aotearoa Awards' to notable New Zealanders such as Labour's John Tamihere, sportsmen Barry McGee,
Graham Norton and Mark Cooksley, Access Radio in Auckland and the tv programme 'Asia Dynamic'.
These events will be repeated again this year as well as a service at Mt Roskill's Wesley Church and a poetry night at a
café in Karangahape Rd.
Ends
For more information contact: Alec Hawke ph (09) 3776347 Will Ilolahia ph (09) 6290826 Waiata Office ph (09) 377 6347
Email: waiata@webworkshop.co.nz