Whanau day to draw Ngati Whakaue to Maketu

Ngati Whakaue Assets Trust chairwoman Katie Paul.

Hundreds of members of the Ngati Whakaue tribe are expected to attend a whanau day focused on celebrating culture.

Members of the tribe will attend the Whakaue Whanau Day in early February. The day is about celebrating culture, and learning about the environment and the iwi.

The theme of the day is Ngati Whakaue's role as guardians and protectors of the waters and land in Maketu, organiser Tony Pecotic said.

He said the day had something for everyone including a wearable arts parade using material found in Maketu, children's activities, food, music, tours of the area, and more.

Information stalls from groups like Fisheries Taiopurea and Lakes Trust will allow visitors to learn about the tribe's future plans, education and job opportunities, and grants.

Pecotic said Maketu was significant because the Arawa waka landed there.

The event is funded by Ngati Whakaue Assets Trust which plans to distribute more than $460,000 to beneficiaries this year.

Trust chairwoman Katie Paul said the trust's investments allowed it to create a "prosperous and positive future for our iwi by funding key events such as the Whakaue Whanau Day".

It takes place on February 4 from 10am till 4pm next to the Whakaue marae in Maketu.