Patea celebrates Waitangi Day with Paepae in the Park

Patea's Paepae in the Park marked its 15th anniversary with music, family fun and a special cake-cutting ceremony.

The annual Waitangi Day event drew a large crowd of all ages, undeterred by a little bit of early rain before the sun came out.

Paepae in the Park organising committee treasurer Marama Pullen said the turnout was similar to previous years, with many people coming along later in the day.

"This year we had a marching team from Eltham and that was really good - people said they weren't on long enough," Ms Pullen said.

She said the live music was a major drawcard for many people.

"We've got no name act this year so it's been a really good turnout," MC Taiaroa Neho, a semi-finalist in X Factor New Zealand, said.

"Some of the biggest names in New Zealand music have played on this stage, including House of Shem, Ardijah, Kora."

Robert and Verna Bourke from Whenuakura got into the swing of things.

There was a wide variety of food stalls to keep both adults and children happy as well as stalls selling everything from clothing and jewellery to crafts, books and children's toys.

A special moment during the day was the cutting of a cake to mark the event's 15th anniversary followed by singing of "Happy Birthday to Paepae in the Park" led by Mr Neho.

South Taranaki Mayor Ross Dunlop told the crowd the event's ongoing success was due to the community.

"What a fantastic effort," Mr Dunlop said. "When it was first suggested I thought it was a great idea and that it would probably be a one-off event or maybe go for two years. Well done to Patea, and particularly to the Paepae committee, to make it to 15 years."

Whanganui band Harmony Showdown had the crowd singing along.

Nine-year-old Kruz Whakatutu tucks into a watermelon sundae while Demelza Hurunui enjoys a coloured toffee apple.

Organising committee member Minnie Broughton and South Taranaki Mayor Ross Dunlop cut the celebration cake.