CULTURE: Aimee Harlick, 10, (left) and Maia Rhind-Sutherland, 10, Bollywood dancers from Douglas Park School. PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA
CULTURE: Aimee Harlick, 10, (left) and Maia Rhind-Sutherland, 10, Bollywood dancers from Douglas Park School. PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA
Passing showers failed to dampen the party mood in Queen Elizabeth Park at the 175th anniversary celebrations, in Masterton yesterday, of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.
Event stage manager Tirau Te Tau said there had been concerns among organisers about rainfall quelling numbers at the gate but hundredsupon hundreds of people had enjoyed the entertainment and activities during the four hour multi-cultural event.
"We thought the weather would have had quite an impact but all of our stallholders - all 25 of them - turned up on the day, there was a really healthy representation from the many groups that make up our community and from our iwi Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairarapa and Rangitane O Wairarapa as well, and the people came to us in the hundreds as well.
"We're really rapt that everybody has taken the time to check us out and become a part of the celebrations."
Event co-ordinator Trish Keogh earlier said the Masterton District Council celebrations would focus on the diverse cultural history of New Zealand and the many communities of people who call Aotearoa home.
The festival yesterday had capped celebrations that had launched with a Pecha Kucha-style event at Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art and History on Wednesday, and had included an Amazing Treaty Race, time capsule, Highland, Bollywood and Samoan dancers, art workshops, and a range of stalls offering international refreshments.
