Waitangi Day 2005: Youngsters active in hikoi relay

Sharaz Young, 17, is powering up a steep Matauri Bay hill on a BMX bike, legs pumping, two-tone hair and eyebrow piercing jammed under a helmet. He clutches a red-and-white tino rangatiratanga flag, which flaps at his shoulder.

Sharaz is too busy pedalling to notice the vast blue bay below. Behind him, graunching along in second gear, are the bus and three dusty cars that make up one arm of a three-pronged "educational hikoi" for young people that has been heading to Waitangi this week.

The core group of about three adults and 10 youngsters left Cape Reinga on Wednesday, with the kids taking turns in a relay from town to town, staying on marae at night.

The bus, its flags whipping, goes ahead and drops people off. The cars scoop them up again after their leg, the distance determined whether they have biked or run.

People have been dropping in for a run and then dropping out, especially in the towns, says organiser and organic farmer Reuben Porter, 36,

The kids' opinions on the experience range from "it's all right" (a flagging Anaru Mare, 12) to "sweet as!" (Sharaz). For Tawhnee Kiwikiwi, 16, going on a hikoi is all about "holding the flag proud". For Tohora Harawira, 13, it's "learning about the treaty and stuff".

There have been accusations that the hikoi is a Maori Party stunt, but it has nothing to do with it, says Mr Porter, who points out that while he is a party member but he's also a member of the Greens.

"And we're not doing this to cause friction. The hikoi is for us and the young people in Te Tai Tokerau. We're a people that need to be united this [election] year so we're starting awareness of that."

He adds: "We're getting a lot of good tautoko [support] and the kids look really cute" - a disarmingly useful tool against abuse.

As the convoy heads for Kerikeri, Sharaz decides he wants to lead the convoy through the town.

But it's a no-go; police stop the group several kilometres short and ask that the kids stop travelling in the trailer carrying the bikes.

The convoy decides to make straight for the Kawiti Marae at Waiomio, near Kawakawa, where it will meet the marchers from Whangarei and Ahipara and bed down for the night.

Still, they don't pass unnoticed through Kerikeri. Locals stare as they see the flags. "The Government is passing legislation that is detrimental to both you and I!" shouts one of the drivers. The kids hang gleefully from the windows.

* Early this morning, the marchers were to converge on Te Tii Marae, Waitangi, for a pouwhiri (welcome).

Whanau, kapa haka and kai for all

AUCKLAND

Waitangi Family Day: Toi o Manukau has arranged a huge day at Hayman Park. Formal mihi and speeches start at 10am, followed by dance, arts, crafts and the sharing of kai. Manukau talent showcased includes Dei Hamo, 3 Houses Down, Urban Beat and Katchafire. Hayman Park, corner Wiri Station Rd and Davies Ave, Manukau City, 11am to 6pm, admission free.

Open Day, Hoani Waititi Marae: All are welcome to enjoy a marae experience at Hoani Waititi marae. Visitors will learn about the Treaty and Maori protocol, take part in a powhiri, and see art displays, demonstrations, information stalls and performances by Pacific and Maori communities. Hoani Waititi Marae, West Coast Rd, Glen Eden, 11am to 3pm, admission free.

Commemorating Waitangi Day: Information, storytelling, workshops, crafts and entertainment by acts such as Billy TK Jr, DJ Manchoo, No Artificial Flavours, Pacific Expressions, James Ru and Natasha Urale-Baker. 10am to 3.30pm, Newton Central School, Monmouth St, Newton, free admission.

Kiwi Icon Day: The Kiwi Icon Day at Auckland Zoo features performances by Maori, Niuean and Cook Island cultural groups, as well as New Zealand bands, craft stalls and a barbecue. Auckland Zoo, Motions Rd, Western Springs, 10am to 4pm, normal admission prices.

Groove in the Park: The third annual Groove in the Park features Shapeshifter, Nice'n'Urlich, Manuel Bundy and kapa haka. The gig runs from 1pm to 7pm. Lovers Lane, Auckland Domain, free admission.

HAMILTON

Family Day: A day of entertainment and awareness of the Treaty has been organised by Hamilton City Council with the city's Maori and ethnic communities. The powhiri begins at 7am, entertainment and art and craft stalls open at 8am, the children's fun starts at 10am and there's a waka ceremony at 4pm. Innes Common, Lake Crescent (by Lake Rotoroa), Hamilton, 7am to 5pm, free entry.

Holiday not part of the show

Why do you not get an extra day off work if Waitangi Day falls on a Sunday?

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, a holiday for nationally significant public holidays like Waitangi Day is so people can observe the occasion by participating in ceremonies and reflection.

People who do not normally work on the day which Waitangi Day falls are automatically able to observe that day free from work.

Those who have Sunday as a normal day of work get a day off in lieu.