MP Horomia pitches in

New Zealand Labour Party politician Hon. Parekura Horomia has spent the last three mornings of Te Matatini o te Rā, the world’s largest Kapa Haka festival, working as a parking warden.

For Mr. Horomia it is natural to help out where needed. Apart from showing cars where to park, he has also helped with ticketing and assisting the teams. “No matter who you are, you should help out”, the former Minister of Māori Affairs says.

Mr. Horomia is from Tologa Bay, further up the East Coast and grew up with Kapa Haka. He is very satisfied with the festival, “it has been absolutely fantastic. Even the rain has helped with the heat and the dust”.

So far, he has only managed to see two teams perform, but hopes that he will be able to get time off directing traffic to watch the finals.

"Coming to my hometown here in Gisborne and seeing what this Festival is doing for local businesses and regional tourism is great. If I can help out in any way as a local, I will."