HUNDREDS of people were drawn to the Wellington waterfront yesterday, to join in the capital city’s Waitangi Day Celebrations.
The day included a number of activities and events which extended from Karaka Cafe at Frank Kitts Lagoon, all the way along the waterfront to Waitangi Park.
Crowds were invited to try a variety of international foods, waka building, weaving, bouncy castles, face painting, Waka Ama, airbrush tattoos, purchasing Maori clothing and merchandise, and be entertained by a number of performances by local Kapa Haka groups, and a range of singers, including well-known Kiwi artist, Ladi6, as well as a night time outdoor screening of local movie Boy in Waitangi Park, from 8.30pm.
There was no charge for the event, except for those buying food, merchandise, or airbrush tattoos.
Wellington Mayor, Celia Wade-Brown welcomes the crowd at yesterday’s Waitangi Day celebrations.
This traditional Maori waka, which is usually located in Wellington’s Karaka Cafe, was out on display for the public to look at.
For those game enough, the public was invited by Wellington Tenths Trust and Palmerston North Maori Reserve to experience paddling in Waka Ama (outrigger canoes), from Frank Kitts Lagoon, and around Queens Wharf.
Malachi Osbourne (left), with his grandad, Ross Newport, cousin Max Newport (all of Wellington) and family friend Jim Delaney, of Titahi Bay opted for the paddle boats.
A Wailing Chamber was assembled outside Te Papa, for people to relieve their grievances, on a day which is historically accompanied by tension between different cultures, predominantly Maori and Pakeha.
The main performer for the day was local Kiwi artist, Ladi6.
The Waitangi Day event’s performances and activities drew hundreds of people to the Wellington waterfront yesterday.
