Festival of the Elements

Once again this now famous one-day festival will offer a superb programme of arts and culture in celebration of Waitangi Day.

This year we once again return to Te Rauparaha Park, and the outstanding new facility in Porirua - Te Rauparaha Arena. The festival will also utilise the Aquatic Centre and Pataka. The day starts with an opening ceremony at 12 noon, with a wide range of arts and entertainment programmes continuing through until 7.30 pm.

The Festival uses the arts to celebrate the cultural diversity of Porirua, made possible by the Treaty of Waitangi. The elements of earth and air, fire and water embrace concepts of significance to all cultures, concepts around which we can all unite. Tangata Whenua and Tangata Tiriti rejoice together on Waitangi Day by way of the arts.

Renowned performers include:

• Benjamin (Ben) Fifita Makisi - New Zealand’s premier Polynesian Tenor, multiple national and international awards, McDonald Aria Competition - Sydney
• Julia Deans – Fur Patrol’s talented front woman – gone solo – 2010 Apra Award Winner
• Hinemoana Baker – a poet and musician with a gift for blending sound
• Criag Smith – The Wonkey Donkey Show – 2008 Children’s Song of the Year Award, 2010 NZ Post Children’s Book Award – Children’s Choice
• The Fource – Porirua’s pre-eminent barbershop quartet. 2009-2010 New Zealand National Women’s High School Barbershop Quartet Champions.
• Tiana Miti – local multi-award winning country singer, 2010 Golden Guitars Award
• Esther Melody Band – four piece band –Maorioke Winners – Jan 2011
• Te Paamu – Grand champions of the Smokefree Pacifica Beats Competition, showcasing their high energy reggae style.
• Wai – A Maori electronica band - chosen to represent Aotearoa at the 2010 Australian World Music Expo in Melbourne.