MEDIA RELEASE

Community support propels Waitangi Day festival in Rotorua

11 January 2021

Waitangi – For the Love of the People is offering even more this year, thanks to the support of our local community.

Ōhinemutu is once again set to host Rotorua’s official Waitangi Day event, with a massive line-up of live music and entertainment, kai, stalls, activities and demonstrations for the whole family to enjoy.

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 environment, visual arts, food & beverage, health & wellness, history, performing arts, language, sports & games.

Tūnohopū Marae chair, Norma Sturley, says more than 5,000 people enjoyed last year’s inaugural event, which allowed locals and visitors alike to experience the treasures of Ōhinemutu, while acknowledging our country’s history.

“We received such a positive response to last year’s event and a lot more of our community groups and businesses are keen to get on board. Not only to promote what they do – but to bring everyone together. After a challenging 2020 from the impact of COVID-19, this event will be a positive way of coming together and encouraging a promising new year.

“Special thanks to our platinum sponsor, Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust, along with our gold sponsors, One Foundation, Pukeroa Oruawhata, Ngāti Whakaue Endowment, Ministry for Culture & Heritage, and Rotorua Lakes Council for the funding to make this event possible,” she says.

Local singer, Krissie Knapp, will MC the stage performances, including popular returning act, Tempist Fugit; Remaster; kapa haka, Cook Island, Hawaiian and Tahitian dance; Taiko and African drumming; and Rotorua International Choir. 

This year’s Waitangi – For the Love of the People features a bigger section of visual arts and more interactive activities for people to participate in, including an Amazing Race challenge; waka rides, face painting, and Māori cooking lessons with MasterChef NZ winners and sisters, Karena & Kasey Bird; along with tā moko, weaving and carving demonstrations; and local artist Taumata Solomon will be back to paint another large bath house mural.

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

Please like our Facebook @WaitangiDayRotorua for all updates.
 

ENDS