Iwi fun day attracts hundreds (+pics&video)

The Ngati Whakaue Whakanuia Whanau Day was held on Saturday at the Waikite Rugby Club and more than 300 people came to see the live entertainment and get their hands on a hangi.

Ngati Whakaue Assets Trust chairwoman Ana Morrison said despite bad weather they were impressed with the turnout.

"We ended up having it inside, and it was amazing. We had the kids activities set up in the clubrooms, and the bouncy castles that catered for three different age groups were all set up on the squash courts. The rain didn't dampen the attendance or people's spirit, and we showcased our own Whakaue entertainers - Stella Maris and Katerina Pihera-Ridge."

Image 1 of 13: Ngati Whakaue Whakanuia Whanau Fun Day. Te Wai Kura Hayes, 2, Photo/Ben Fraser

The whanau day, organised and funded by Ngati Whakaue Assets Trust with additional funding from Pukeroa Oruawhata Trust, Ngati Whakaue Education Endowment Trust Board, Ngati Whakaue Tribal Lands Corporation and Te Komiti Nui o Ngati Whakaue, started last year with a kapa haka event.

"We plan to alternate each year between the kapa haka event and the community activity-based event. This event is about taking family-friendly activities that cater for all age groups in the Whakaue papakainga and hosted by those community groups."

Kirikowhai Mikaere attended the whanau day with daughter Te Wai Kura Hayes, and said it was an awesome celebration of "Whakaue tanga" and community connections.
"I'm excited that we have an opportunity for our iwi to come together on a positive note to celebrate whanau and connections," she said.

Waikite Rugby Club Junior Rugby co-ordinator Moana Millar said it was good to see the club come alive.

"The club is the sporting arm of Ngati Whakaue so to have everybody there celebrating the whanau day at our club was amazing. To see all the families of our iwi there was fabulous. The club was alive. It was an honour to host this."

Ngati Whakaue Whakanuia Fun Day

* Inaugural event held last year

* Kapa haka to be held every two years

* Family fun day to be held every alternate year

* Hosted by Waikite Rugby Club on Saturday