Celebrating whanau theme for Waitangi Day 2008

Celebrating whanau diversity will be the theme for the Auckland region’s largest commemorative event for Waitangi Day, held at Manukau city’s Hayman Park on 6 February.



Presented by Toi o Manukau Maori Arts and Culture, in partnership with Manukau City Council, the 2008 Waitangi Day Family Celebration is also the second largest commemorative event in New Zealand and is attended by Prime Minister Helen Clark each year.



Families from Manukau and around the Auckland region are invited along for a day of ceremony, education, fun and free entertainment. Throughout the day, it’s anticipated that a crowd of 40,000 people will take part.



Mayor of Manukau Len Brown says “Waitangi Day is a great day to commemorate the importance of the Treaty of Waitangi and its impact on the history and future of Aotearoa New Zealand, it’s also a great time to celebrate the diversity of Manukau city, enjoy a family day out and catch all the fun activity. “



The 2008 programme has five main areas.



“Atea” is an area reserved for ceremonial welcome of dignitaries, guests, and kaumatua.



The “Whakangahau” area features a performance stage with free concerts and entertainment throughout the day. Headlined by international star Bunny Rugs from Jamaican reggae band Third World, the line up will include Che Fu, Vivah, Ruia Aperahama, Dam Native, P.O.O.R., Chuck Upu, and Brother Love alongside other music and dance acts.



“Tamariki Zone” is the popular children’s area, incorporating free children’s rides and activities, traditional Maori pastimes and an under-5s area.



“Nga Toi” arts area will include an exhibition, workshops, interactive art making and demonstrations of weaving, ta moko and carving. Information on the Treaty of Waitangi will be provided by the very popular Treaty 2 U touring exhibition.



“Marketplace” is a shopping village full of a variety of stalls selling healthy kai, arts, crafts, clothing and merchandise along with information stalls.



Additional sponsorship for the day is also provided by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage and the Wiri Licensing Trust.