The crowd at Manukau’s Waitangi Day Family Celebrations will be in for one of Aotearoa’s most powerful and exciting live performances when Kora take to the stage.

A fusion of reggae, rock, dub and roots, Kora’s unique blend of vocal harmonies, a powerhouse rhythm section and a compelling stage presence never fails to impress.

Returning home from Japan especially for the performance, Kora looks forward to playing in Manukau for the first time. “Yeeeeeah – South Auckland, about time,” says Laughton Kora.

Nigel Borell, Toi o Manukau Kaiwhakahaere, is thrilled to have Kora headlining the event. “Kora are a great example of a band with a distinctively Aotearoa flavour to be successful on both the national and international level. Waitangi Day is a time to celebrate our country’s cultures and successes.”

The Waitangi Day performance follows hot on the heels of a whirlwind summer tour schedule, with performances all over the North Island including a main stage slot at the Big Day Out.

Kora have received industry acclaim and commercial success for their self-titled 2007 debut full-length album, picking up a 2006 bNet Award for their single ‘Flow’ and a nomination for the 2008 Vodafone Music Awards. They recently won the Vogel Award 2009 for Best Short Sci-Fi Work for their video “Skankenstein”. Their album is close to achieving double platinum status.

In March Kora will be taking their sound international once more when they play at Singapore’s Mosaic Festival.

Kora’s performance is just one highlight of a day of fun for the whole community at Manukau’s Waitangi Day celebrations. Toi o Manukau have organised a great day of ceremony, education, market stalls, free entertainment and children's rides to commemorate Waitangi Day.

What: Waitangi Day Family Celebration
When: Saturday 6 February, 10am-6pm (Kora to play at 5.15pm)
Where: Barry Curtis Park, Chapel Road, Flat Bush

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NOTE TO EDITORS:

Important information for visitors: People attending for all or most of the day are advised to be sun smart and bring their sun block and sun umbrella. The event is alcohol, smoke and drug free. Free parking is available at Chapel Road entrance to Sancta Maria College and three designated parking areas on the Stancombe Road side of the park. All parking areas will be clearly identified. 'No parking' areas will be enforced and cars in breach may be towed away.