Home grown talent for Waitangi 175th festivities

Kiwi reggae group Tomorrow People will be one of the acts performing during Waitangi Day festivities in Auckland.

A free, family friendly concert at Barry Curtis Park on Waitangi Day, produced by Auckland Council in partnership with Toi o Manukau, will mark the 175th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.

Wellington based reggae group Tomorrow People headlines a strong line-up that includes Annie Crummer, Moana and the Tribe, Tama Waipara, and Whenua Patuwai. Comedian Mike King will host the event.

"Toi o Manukau is proud to work in partnership with Auckland Council to present this Waitangi Day event in Manukau and 2015 will mark the 17th year of this offering in the region.

'The day offers an opportunity for community to commemorate the Treaty of Waitangi through the sharing of music, arts and culture. We invite you to join us for a day of celebration, education, culture and entertainment", says Toi o Manukau Co-Chair Nigel Borell.

Mayor Len Brown says, "February 6th this year is particularly significant marking the 175th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.

'It's the day when Maori and Pakeha came together as one people but it has also come to symbolise the unity of all our communities and cultures.

'Events like this, where all Aucklanders can come together and celebrate, are a great of example how Auckland has become the vibrant multicultural place it is."

The day-long free event offers Aucklanders and their families, a destination to gather and have fun through sharing music, crafts, entertainment and food.

The concert, the region's largest Waitangi Day event, begins at 10am with a mihi whakatau - ceremonial welcome - and kapa haka performance from Manurewa Marae, Te Tai Tonga. South Auckland all girl group Soul 7, kick off the live stage show at 11am followed by Moana and the Tribe.

New to the event this year is Auckland Museum's popular school holiday programme, Tales of Tamaki. Youngsters can listen to stories, design a street flag, learn about Tukutuku, handle Taonga Puoro and also watch the master carvers of Whaotapu at work.

On show also, nine replicas of the original signing sheets of the Treaty of Waitangi.

The day is focused on providing a safe, zero waste, alcohol and smoke-free experience, encouraging Aucklanders to make the most of the fantastic free local music acts whilst learning more about our unique history in a relaxed whanau friendly setting.