Kapa Haka Festival: Thanks to cast of hundreds

By PIRIPI DAVIS Te Puru o Tamaki, host team

Kia ora koutou (greetings for the final time). We have finished our programme and now it is time to focus on our stage presence.

Our kaiwhatu kakahu (dressers) have the responsibility of making our performers look good. This year they have had to make the uniforms from scratch: 24 women's pare (bodices), 24 tipare (head bands), 24 men's tatua (belts), 50 poi and accessories. We also have people working on moko (facial tattoo) designs, taking into consideration those who have their own tribal designs.

Each group has ringawera who at weekends give their time to cook our lunches and dinners.

We would like to thank ringawera in every group in Aotearoa, who are never seen or heard but are greatly appreciated.

Now we have only four days left to make it happen on Friday at 7.25 pm.

As we practise our programme, there is a hive of activity all around us as Orakei Marae and Takaparawha (Bastion Pt) are transformed. More than 400 volunteers have registered to take on the many tasks that will keep everything running: parking, clean-up, ushering, catering, site work and much more.

Tents will house the 100 stalls providing food, arts, crafts and information booths.

The grandstands are up, the fencing is in place and the stage is under construction. Our kids are waiting to see what rides and games will be in the play area.

It's great to see all the whanau from Orakei coming out to support this event, from local residents to the Ngati Whatua Trust Board

There are also hundreds of people in the wider Auckland community who have helped us in many different ways.

Auckland City Council and the traffic police have worked with us to make sure traffic and safety issues are handled properly. We can't thank them all personally but we invite them to Orakei to enjoy the performances.