"We want the Stratford community to understand the history behind Waitangi Day," says Lovey Reid, as she explains the decision behind establishing Stratford's first ever Waitangi Day celebration.
On February 6, a Waitangi Day celebration will be held in Victoria Park Stratford, organised by the Whakaahurangi (Stratford) Te Ropu Wahine Maori Toko i te Ora (Maori Womens Welfare League) with support from the Stratford District Council, the Peoples Activity Centre and Whakaahurangi Kohanga Te Reo.
Whether it is rain or shine, Lovey and Marcia Reid of the Womens Welfare League say that the celebration will be a day of fun for the whole family.
Lovey says the group were keen to create a Waitangi Day event in Stratford as it can be too difficult for families to travel to celebrations in neighbouring districts.
"We wanted to create an event that can be enjoyed by everyone, and raise awareness on what Waitangi Day is about and how far we have come since the Treaty of Waitangi."