Exciting line up for Manukau's Waitangi Day celebration

This year's Waitangi Day celebrations in Manukau have a line up of exciting new artists - Tiki, Hollie Smith and P Money just to name a few.

The Manukau event is New Zealand's second-largest, and the Auckland region's largest, commemorative event, and attracts over 40,000 people every year. Organised by Toi o Manukau Maori Arts and Culture Trust, supported by Manukau City Council and Let's Beat Diabetes (Counties Manukau DHB), the celebration offers a fun family day of ceremony, education, free entertainment and kids' rides.

Every year on 6 February, New Zealand marks the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. It's a day for reflecting on our Treaty, says Manukau Mayor Len Brown. “It is a time to reflect on the impact of the treaty on our history and our future. Manukau's celebrations are also a reflection of our diversity."

The programme:

Atea: ceremonial welcome

The Whakangahau area: a performance stage with free entertainment throughout the day. Headlined by Tiki, Holly Smith and P Money with Vince Harder, David Dallas, PNC, DJ Manuel Bundy, Liquid Colours and Te Aratoi.

Tamariki zone: popular children’s area, incorporating free children’s rides and activities and an under-five area.

Nga Toi: arts area will include an exhibition, workshops, interactive art making and demonstrations of weaving, ta moko, painting and carving.

Marketplace: a shopping village full of a variety of stalls selling healthy kai, arts, crafts, clothing and merchandise along with information stalls.

Tiriti Korero (treaty education): Information and discussion forums with guest speakers covering current Treaty issues followed by a screening of Maori short films, Maori authors' poetry readings and Supa Maori fullas presentation with Pio Terei and friends in the Genesis Energy Theatre.

Premier sponsorship is provided by Let's Beat Diabetes (Counties Manukau District Health Board), with additional sponsorship by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, Four Winds Trust and the Wiri Licensing Trust.

What: Waitangi Day Family Celebration
When: Friday 6 February, 10am-6pm
Where: TelstraClear Pacific, 770 Great South Road, Manukau

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NOTE TO EDITORS:
Interview opportunity: Tiki, Hollie Smith and P Money are available for media interview. Please contact Adin Wentzel (contact details below) to arrange an interview.

Important information for visitors: People attending for all or most of the day are advised to bring appropriate clothing and shelter. The event is alcohol, smoke and drug free.
Free parking is available in the event centre's car park, as well as off-street parking in the surrounding area. All parking areas will be clearly identified. 'No parking' areas will be enforced and cars in breach may be towed away.