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VANESSA LAURIE/Stuff
Jemane Broughton-Reweti was late to the Waitangi Day celebrations in Waitara but got straight down to business.
Jemane Broughton-Reweti had a tangi to go to in the morning so he was behind schedule setting up his seafood chowder stall at Watara’s Waitangi Day celebrations.
“But there are still heaps of people left. It will be a good day,” he said at 11am, ladling out another cup of steaming chowder to a hungry punter.
Transferred to the War Memorial Hall from Marine Park because of the dodgy weather forecast, the celebrations were attended by hundreds looking for a bite to eat, a temporary tā moko, music to listen to or a bouncy castle to jump on.
Many of those who attended the Waitara event then went to Ngamotu Beach to join in on the further festivities there.
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While rain had looked likely in the morning, by midday the cloud had largely burned off and shade was at a premium.
VANESSA LAURIE/Stuff
Nia Martin 7, gets a temporary tā mok from Ashely Urwin at the Waitara War Memorial Hall on Monday.
In New Plymouth Sawyer Bullen, 7, like many kids at the event, thought one of the best things about Waitangi Day was getting a day off school.
For Sawyer’s grandmother Patricia Macgregor it was seeing the community out enjoying the music, food, and hot weather.
“It’s awesome. It’s really great what they have done here. It’s my first time here and it’s a real occasion,” she said.
As well as food there was music, kapa haka and even a message from mayor Neil Holdom, who donned the mayoral chains and a suit for the occasion.
After a short speech in teo reo he declared “that’s enough from us” and bid everyone a fantastic day.
VANESSA LAURIE/Stuff
Karla Gibson, Meiana Walker 9, Malia Walker 14, Arana Walker 12 and Ngatai Walker at Ngamotu Beach for Waitangi Day celebrations.
Puketapu School principal Ngati Walker said it felt as though the significance of Waitangi Day was growing as people learned more about the treaty.
“I hope there is more of an understanding. I’m a principal at a primary school so we’re trying to make sure it’s well known. It’s actually talking about the facts rather than the emotion around it,” he said.
VANESSA LAURIE/Stuff
Olivia Moorhead 12, Elissa Strohmeier 12 and Ayda Mills 11, of the Mangorei kura kapa haka helped kick things off in Ngamotu.
Elissa Strohmeier, 12, had the big job of leading the poi for the Mangorei kura kapa haka group, which opened celebrations at 1pm.
“I’ve done this many, many times but I’m always nervous at the start of it,” she said.
Just minutes later those nerves were nowhere to be seen as the group got the afternoon off to a rousing start.
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