Waitangi Day Festival: Native Noise '09

Tena Koutou Katoa!!! Greetings to everyone!

Celebrate Waitangi Day 2009 at the magnificent Okahu Bay Domain. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Waitemata Harbour, hosted by local tangata whenua (Ngati Whatua Orakei) in partnership with Auckland City Council.

Okahu Bay was the original site of the arrival of Governor Hobson who was invited by Ngati Whatua chiefs to create the city of Auckland in 1841.

EVERYBODY is welcome to be a part of the one of biggest traditional welcoming ceremonies (HAKA POWHIRI) at Okahu Bay since the Millennium Celebrations in 2000. There will be classic sailing yachts, waka and contemporary boats who will arrive at Okahu Bay to join in the traditional welcoming ceremony by the hosts- Ngati Whatua o Orakei.

Bring the WHANAU (family) to sample the beautiful hangi, seafood, and other delicacies. The children can enjoy safe access to the BEACH, KIDS RIDES (motor bikes, bouncy castles, inflatable slides, tower drop, skate ramps and go-karts), the FLAVA 96.1FM STAGE and also the FARM ANIMALS or pick up some great Maori artwork, a tee-shirt and other gifts for yourself or friends.

Then, sit back with your WHANAU and listen to the full musical line-up of Main Stage begins at 10:30am featuring leading Aotearoa groups such as HOUSE OF SHEM, HERBS, OPEN SOULS, TAHUNA BREAKS and SONS OF ZION to name a few.

This is a safe, fun, family focused enjoyable day.

PARKING ($5) will be on Bastion Point, Okahu Bay Domain and Teachers Eastern Rugby Fields.

Come along and celebrate NZ history in Tamaki Makau Rau-Auckland.