What's On: Owhata Whanau Fun Day

The Owhata Whanau Fun Day is all about bringing together the community for family friendly, sober fun.

Hosted by the Whanau Support Group, there will be kapa haka performances, a talent quest, a hangi and Zumba.

Organiser Kathryn Courtney said the day was for the whole community to get together to promote whakawhanaungatanga (relationships). She said there would be interactive activities for people of all ages to enjoy.

"There's a talent quest, carving, Zumba ... We had the kids draw murals for everyone to put a hand print on, which will be hung up in Owhata somewhere. It's all free, except for the hangi which is $10 and some of the other food."

Everyone that entered the talent quest would be in the draw to win sponsored prizes, including an MP3 player. Students from Owhata Primary and Mokoia Intermediate would be putting on kapa haka performances, and there would also be a sausage sizzle, hangi, ki o rahi, cake stalls, spot prizes and the chance for people to have a go at weaving or carving.

Miss Courtney said everyone was welcome to attend, not just people from Owhata.

"It's the first time we've had one of these, but we would want to have it every year," she said.

"This is our trial run, we want to get everyone together, not just our eastside community but everybody."

She said it was a way for people to get out of the house and be a part of something.

"It's a nice, sober day out for the whanau. Bring along a picnic blanket and even a picnic if you don't want to buy food."

The Owhata Whanau Fun Day runs from 11am to 4pm at Owhata Primary School.