The Bay is preparing to celebrate Waitangi Day with a celebration walk to the site where Kahungunu signed the treaty and a concert at the Hawke's Bay Sports Park.
To commemorate the 175th anniversary of Waitangi Day, Ngati Kahungunu is hosting a family event at the sports park, which includesmarket stalls, kids' rides and a multicultural concert.
"We invite the whole community to come along and join us," iwi chairman Ngahiwi Tomoana said. "The day is about family, community and nationhood."
Also on Friday, a walk from Hastings to Farndon Park in Clive, where the iwi signed the treaty, will take place before a welcoming ceremony at 9am by mayors, councillors, politicians and Te Aute College students.
A re-enactment on the Clive River of the arrival of the first European settlers, with the Hawke's Bay Genealogists and Westshore Sea Scouts escorted by the Nga Tukemata O Kahungunu Waka, will also be a feature, with entertainment by local artists, competitions and games. The celebration at the sports park begins at 8am with seven sports tournaments covering hockey, touch, rugby league community carnival for kids, Ki Orahi, volleyball, netball and three-on-three basketball.
A hangi, kebabs, paella, whitebait fritters, steamed mussels and fried bread will stop people from going hungry.
Music by Sammy Johnson at 2.45pm and other performers including Mahinarangi Lawrence, Whiplash Dancers, Matiu Dallas, Rhythm Forte and Cook Island Fanau will play until the event finishes at 4pm.
Two local kapa haka teams, Parearau and Ngti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga will perform.
