Off-the-cuff Ūawa Waitangi Day event ‘a winner’

Among the entertainment provided was duo Adaam and Huia Ross, who belted out the tunes to the delight of locals. Pictures supplied

Ūawa’s main street came alive to celebrate Waitangi Day this year.

Market stalls lined the main street, car parks were full and an array of tantalising food was on offer — From mussel fritters and  fried bread to a good old sausage sizzle.

“It’s a lovely day,” born-and-bred local Ngareta Gray Halley said.

Older generations mixed with the young as families ventured out to enjoy the sunshine and fun.

Reuben Kaa organised the event, querying on a local social media site if there was any interest in starting a “little get-together’.   He was thinking of “putting something together” and “jamming down the main street on Waitangi Day”.

Interest quickly spread within the community and grew to an event that locals have since followed up with fast requests for another.

Reuben and wife Norah recently returned to his home town of Tolaga Bay after 30 years of travelling overseas.

He began his journey in Sydney Australia, where on arrival he took to the streets to busk, continuing a life-long passion of music.  He is a member of Gisborne Country Music Club but “does a bit of everything . . . “rock, you name it.”

When residents Dolly Mitchell and Ira Ngerengere found out Kaa would be singing on Waitangi Day, they asked if they could put up a little stall next to him.

Lots of requests flowed from the frequent updates Mr Kaa provided on social media. The whole main street was soon booked up, and stalls were set up on both sides of the road to take advantage of the good weather.

Local band AH35, consisting of duo Adaam and Huia Ross, also provided entertainment with covers ranging from Crowded House and UB40 to Johnny Cash and June Carter’s country and western toe-tapping 1960s classic Jackson.

“This is just like the old days when we used to have a Christmas parade down the main street,” said one local.

Praise and appreciation on Facebook flowed for Reuben, thanking him for bringing locals together.

“Ūawa was rolling”, “Awesome day, thank you”, “Cool to see so many out and about in Ūawa”  were among the comments, along with “Ūawa Waitangi Day was a winner!”

Reuben is now considering planning another one for the Easter break.