Ethnic diversity celebrated on Waitangi Day

Events to mark Waitangi Day 2012 in Hamilton will be held in the city centre.

Supported by Hamilton City Council, Te Runanga o Kirikiriroa and Te Puni Kokiri, the city’s official Waitangi Day events will start at 7am, beginning with a whakatau.

Mayor Julie Hardaker will formally open proceedings, while representatives of Tainui and local ethnic communities will also speak at the official function.

From 9am, celebrations move to Garden Place. Live acts include local reggae groups Zifire, The Spiritz and The Children of Jah, plus dance troupes Bfam, resample and Imperious.

Ethnic crafts from around the world will also be on sale from Weave, a collective of crafts people who have been encouraged to produce and sell their wares by Refugee Services. An interactive workshop entitled ‘Te Tiriti o Waitangi today’ will discuss the relevance of the Treaty of Waitangi to all New Zealanders, and will be hosted by the Waikato Anti-Racism Coalition.

Ms Hardaker says: “Waitangi Day is a day for all New Zealanders to celebrate our past and our future, and an opportunity for different cultures in our Hamilton community to celebrate together. I hope people will come out and enjoy the events planned for the day.”