Waitangi Day events embrace diversity

Waitangi celebrations in Queenstown stepped away from the traditional yesterday.

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At the Queenstown Memorial Centre, local kapa haka groups were joined by those from other cultures and backgrounds.

Across town in the Queenstown Gardens, Reggae in the Park celebrated Waitangi Day and Bob Marley’s birthday.

The first, a Queenstown Lakes District Council event, started at noon when the Southern Lakes Highland Band led a parade from Earnslaw Park.

Visitors were invited to join the festivities before an official powhiri.

Ngai Tahu Kaumatua Darren Rewi said the event was a success.

He said while the initial focus was on Maori heritage, the second part of the day celebrated the number of different nationalities in Queenstown.

"It is appropriate we take our story on and celebrate the diversity that is Queenstown. We are unique and that is part of our make up. We celebrate through song and embrace all those cultures."

The hall was standing room only for the welcome as youngsters from Arrowtown School’s kapa haka group performed.

They were followed by music from the Southern Lakes Highland Band, highland dancers, traditional Japanese music and an African band.

In the gardens, hundreds turned out to listen to a number of DJs playing at the band rotunda, including musicians from Dunedin, Melbourne and Wellington.

Organiser Tyrone Morehu could not be reached for comment.

Last week, Mountain Scene reported that Mr Morehu had hoped the two events could merge in time; at that time he said talks had started.