Weather just right for Waitangi Day festival

February 7th, 2013
[by David Armstrong]

Goldilocks weather - not too hot, not too cold - was the ideal setting for a relaxed, happy Waitangi Day festival hosted yesterday in the back fields of Motueka's Te Awhina Marae.

Although numbers appeared a little down on the past two years, several hundred people of all ages visited through the day to watch, snack, be informed and catch up with friends.

The more energetic, including Mayor Richard Kempthorne, took part in games of Ki-O-Rahi and tug of war, while most people tried out the variety of indigenous and conventional foods on offer from the stalls.

Groups of visitors as well as locals attended the two powhiri, at 11am and 1pm, and were welcomed onto the marae. During the afternoon, speakers in the entertainment area also explained the roles of Motueka's two main iwi - Atiawa and Rarua - within the Marae, along with their business arms NRAIT and Wakatu Incorporation.

As always, the highlight for those enjoying relaxation in the sun (or under the canopy) was the varied programme of entertainment. Acts included songs from everyone's favourite Aroha Williams, the relentlessly energetic Zumba class, a Tongan group, Carlos and friends, Peter Prestal, Te Whatukura, a Samoan group, and One Vibe.

Motueka has enjoyed at least four major community festival events over the past six weeks, with Waitangi Day at the marae being probably the most relaxed of all.

It's been running for three years now in its latest incarnation, and it is hoped that it builds on its strong base to become one of Motueka's highlight events in future. Thanks to Te Awhina's workers for bringing it all together.

The Tongan group entertain

Mayor Richard Kempthorne, sporting a bandana, protects the central goal in Ki-O-Rahi

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