Full programme for youth at Ratana hundredth celebrations

About 5000 extra people will be sleeping at the Rātana settlement, near Whanganui, on November 7-9. Whanganui Chronicle Photograph by Stuart Munro

The healing power of music and serious issues like climate change will mingle in activities for youth at the November 8 celebrations at Rātana Pā.

A team of about 60 young people have organised a programme for the event, rangatahi co-ordinator Lequan Meihana said. The youth programme runs from November 7 to 9.

It will be happening in three places - in the Rangatahi Village, on the main stage during the day and also live streamed.

It ranges from meditation to board games and table tennis, with panel discussions and a chill zone. The young people are planning a Rangatahi Panel on November 9, with couches up on stage, games and a cordless microphone out for the crowd to chip in.

"It's like a Rangatahi Show happening on stage. They will be talking about their achievements, what they love to do, their goals and aspirations," Meihana said.

Music will be to the fore, with Mike King, Rob Ruha and Ria Hall hosting the Whakapikiora forum, to talk about how music can lift wellbeing.

"Music is a good mechanism for healing. It's a good medicine for our people."

Successful Wellington musician Siamme will talk about her music and herself at another event. There is also a long list of performers, many of them local. Meihana didn't want to single any out.

"No one particular act. I want everyone to check out everything."

Rangatahi (young people) will also be involved in the rest of the celebration, especially the big church service at 2pm on November 8, which marks 100 years since T W Ratana saw the vision that started the Ratana movement.

Pop star Stan Walker is expected to come to the service, but not to give a concert at the celebrations. People who want to see him perform can buy tickets for his concert in Whanganui on November 4.

Other big moments will be Te Kura o Ratana's whakaari (play) at 11am on Novmeber 8, and a mass kapa haka on the marae at about 7pm the same day.

Organisation of the celebrations has had some ups and downs, Meihana said, but everyone is working very hard and is focused on the main job.

"What I'm really happy about is the involvement and engagement from our rangatahi. They have led the rangatahi initiatives and organised and managed them."