Kia Ora Redcliffe Waitangi Day Community Day

Waitangi Day may be a Māori commemorative event but it's something everyone can get involved in at an upcoming community family fun day in Redcliffe.

Waitangi Day is officially held on 6 February every year to commemorate the signing of New Zealand's founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. This document was signed by representatives of the British Crown and Māori chiefs (rangatira) from the North Island of New Zealand. It has been an official public holiday in New Zealand since 1960.

Akoako Ki Piripane Inc and MBR Community will host Waitangi Day Redcliffe 2019 a family fun day at the Redcliffe Showgrounds on Saturday, 9 February.

Wiremu and Harata Simeon set up the Akoako program for expat Māori in the Brisbane area. It focuses on language, customs and protocols, as well as sharing learnings and insights into their culture with the wider community.

Due to increasing demand and a growing Māori population, the program evolved into Akoako Ki Piripane Inc, a not-for-profit organisation. 'Akoako' means learning together, 'Ki Piripane' means based in Brisbane.

Wiremu said the Redcliffe Waitangi Day event was open to everyone in the Redcliffe community.

Although it's showcasing Māori culture, the event is open to all ethnicities. (Anyone can) be part of the day, whether it be entertainers, stallholders, or (attendees), we welcome everyone,� he said.

The day will start with the Pohiri ' the traditional Māori welcome beginning at 7am. Entry is by donation. Families can enjoy bouncy castles, face painting and pony rides from 8am to 5pm.

This event will feature entertainment for the whole family such as Kapa Haka performing art, solo singers, dancers, bands and Kaumātua group performers.

Indulge yourself at the many food stalls, specialising in hangi, raw fish, kina, and fry bread to name but a few. Then, when your stomach is full, you can browse the stalls showcasing pounamu, taonga, bone carvings and Māori design clothing.

Bring along a picnic blanket or chair and enjoy this multicultural day at the Redcliffe Showgrounds. You can find event information on Waitangi Day, Redcliffe, via Facebook.

Waitangi Day
Saturday, 9 February, 8am-5pm
(traditional Pohiri welcome 7am)
Entry by donation
Redcliffe Showgrounds