Good spirits on Waitangi Day

YOUR MOVE: The arrival of the southerly change and rain was no deterrent for people celebrating Waitangi Day at Anzac Park yesterday. Brother and sister Shaquille and Nevaeh Taukamo play giant chess under the shelter of their umbrellas. Pictures by Paul Rickard

The rain did not dampen spirits at Waitangi Day celebrations in Gisborne yesterday, with a good turnout attending the event at Anzac Park.

Host for the day, Walter ‘The Wiz’ Walsh, kept the crowd in good heart, alongside a line-up of entertainment, and speakers who delivered korero about the Treaty of Waitangi.

There were plenty of kai stalls and information tents, as well as activities for children and families, including a chess competition, train rides, and games.

Organiser Tuta Ngarimu of Ka Pai Kaiti acknowledged everyone who helped to make the day a success, and said it would become an annual event.

“We started our Waitangi Day with not too bad weather, then it really turned on us, forcing us to end our day,” he said on the Ka Pai Kaiti Facebook page.

“So many to thank, and also you, our awesome whanau, who did make it.

“Waitangi Day is a day of remembrance where two peoples signed an agreement, Te Tiriti O Waitangi.

“Ka Pai Kaiti has committed every year to holding this very important day to keep it alive, and remind ourselves what the Treaty is all about.”