Big Weekend Ahead
Whether you're into rugby, reggae or regattas, there's plenty for you to do and see this weekend.
First up, ever wanted to know more about the Treaty and how it came about?
If so, come to Waitangi Park on our national day - you'll not only be entertained by great music and performances, be able to feast on excellent kai (food), but also learn all about the Treaty of Waitangi at our activity space.
Performances on the stage throughout the day include headline act Unity Pacific, fronted by the godfather of New Zealand reggae, Tigilau Ness. Hip hop, kapa haka and a number of other great bands and solo artists will also feature.
The Council's Community Events Manager, Kit O'Connor, says there are all kinds of activities for everyone to enjoy from 11.00am to 4.30pm on the day.
"We're working with our library staff who will provide storytelling for children and display relevant books. There will also be an area where you can view panels describing the Wellington claims process and see copies of the two Treaty sheets that were signed in the Wellington region," says Kit.
"There will be a three-dimensional display that shows the changes to New Zealand's population after the Treaty was signed in 1840. And you can take part in a drama or Māori pronunciation workshop, or watch a demonstration of taonga puoro (traditional Māori instruments) or raranga (weaving)."
While events take place in Waitangi Park, Hataitai's Velodrome is expecting a crowd of 15,000 for the much-loved annual Radio Active One Love concert. The day celebrates Bob Marley's birthday as well as Waitangi Day, so expect to hear a lot of reggae and dub. There'll be Mungo's Hi-fi - all the way from Glasgow - the Midnights, Sola Rosa and Don McGlashan among this year's line-up.
If you want to go into the draw to win one of five prize packages including two tickets, a CD featuring one of the performing bands and a t-shirt, email your contact details to marketing@wcc.govt.nz by 12 noon Friday 5 February.
And who could forget it's Sevens weekend, kicking off with the annual parade through the city centre on Thursday at 12.45pm. Then Westpac Stadium will be full of dressed-up rugby revellers on Friday and Saturday. So theoretically, you could head to One Love in the morning, go to Waitangi Park for the afternoon, and then join Wellington Batucada as they drum their way from Waitangi Park to Westpac Stadium in the lead-up to kick-off.
And if you've enough energy left in between, check out the OK Dinghy World Championships on the waterfront.
This weekend involves a lot of road closures, bus diversions and parking restrictions. It's also likely that there'll be traffic and pedestrian congestion throughout the central city, and to some degree, the Hataitai / Mt Victoria area.
For more information on all of these events, look up 'Summer City' on our website or pick up a Summer City brochure around town.
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