Hip Hop Rapper Scribe at Gamblefree Day Waka on the Waitemata event

Hip Hop rapper Scribe will be part of the fun at the Waka on the Waitemata event being held on Gamblefree Day, Thursday 1 September at Orakei Water Sports at Auckland’s Okahu Landing.

The event will start at 9am with a mihi whakatau followed by free activities starting at 9.30 including waka ama experiences, workshops, stalls, competitions and lots of entertainment.

Donna Tamaariki, Problem Gambling Foundation Cultural Advisor, says the day is all about providing an opportunity to promote culturally inspired alternatives to gambling to young people.

“We have several Auckland secondary and intermediate schools participating on the day and they will be able to get out on the water and have a go at paddling waka, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards,” she says.

Scribe will be attending the event between 11.30am and 1.30pm, getting involved in activities and presenting prizes.

Scribe is supporting Gamblefree Day and the Choice not Chance campaign. He used to play the pokies nearly every day and hit rock bottom when his partner left with the children because he couldn’t stop gambling or lying about it.

“I want people to seek help early rather than try to hide the problem like I did. It’s awesome to see all these activities that are great alternatives to using gambling for entertainment and relaxation.”

Apart from water-based activities, there will be workshops run by Ruapotaka Marae from Glen Innes including poi making, weaving and waiata. Mana Whenua will also be conducting taiaha workshops.

Supporters include Kaitiaki Enterprises Ltd, Choice not Chance, Kelly Tarltons, Fergs
Kayaks, Watersports South Pacific, Auckland Museum, Stardome, Snow Planet, Fullers and Pearson Education.

Waka on the Waitemata starts at 9am, Thursday 1 September at Orakei Water Sports, 8 Tamaki Drive, Orakei. Hosted by Hapai te Hauora Tapui Maori Public Health, the Problem Gambling Foundation of NZ (PGF) and the Salvation Army Oasis Centre.