MEDIA RELEASE

Ōhinemutu to host 2020 Waitangi Day event

Tūnohopū Marae chair, Norma Sturley (R), pictured with her husband Terry.

Saturday 11 November 2019

Ōhinemutu is set to host Rotorua’s official Waitangi Day event next year, with a massive line-up of live music, kai, stalls and activities to keep the whole family entertained.

Hundreds of people are expected to attend Waitangi – For the Love of the People (Waitangi ki Ōhinemutu) on Thursday 6 February. 

The event will feature a strong Ngāti Whakaue and Te Arawa whānau influence, supported by the wider community of cultures living in Rotorua. Eight themes will be showcased, promoting history, language, visual arts, sports and games, performing arts, food and beverage, health and wellness, and environment. 

Tūnohopū Marae chair, Norma Sturley, says she enjoyed September’s Aronui Māori Market at the Ruapeka, Ōhinemutu, so much, she was keen for a similar event to be delivered to locals and visitors to the city.

“I loved that the Aronui Māori Market brought so many people back to the pā,” she says. “While our marae was used to host kōrero sessions, we were also able to sit on the opposite side of the gate and talk to the locals, while enjoying the markets and entertainment. We’d never celebrated an event such as this on the Ruapeka before, and we were keen to once again support a special social gathering for our community.”

After speaking with whānau, it was agreed Waitangi Day provided a great opportunity to not only showcase Ōhinemutu village, but to also observe Aotearoa’s national day of remembrance. Whaea Norma took the idea back to the Tūnohopū Marae trusts – Paratehoata and Te Kohea – who were pleased to support the kaupapa.

Waitangi – For the Love of the People will encompass the entire area from the Ruapeka on Tūnohopu Street, through to the Rotorua Lakefront. The event will feature live music, entertainment, competitions and giveaways, interactive displays, market stalls, talks and tours, and more. 

“I’m really looking forward to the Waitangi Day event,” says Whaea Norma. “A lot more people have come onboard, which is a great thing. It’s evolved and it’s growing. And I’m proud of everyone who have put their efforts into creating a wonderful community event, where we can come together and remind people of our history, while enjoying a great day as well.”

Waitangi – For the Love of the People will take place on Thursday 6 February, from 10am to 3pm at Ōhinemutu, Rotorua.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
Megan Lacey
P: 027 258 8269
E: meganlacey17@gmail.com