Powhiri, karakia, waiata and kai on the schedule

New Zealand's first dedicated playing field for the traditional Maori ball game ki-o-rahi at Waitangi domain, Te atarauarangihaeata, is in full readiness for the official opening this Friday.

Earlier this month, Ki-o-rahi Akotanga Iho president Harko Brown, of Kerikeri, released the itinerary for the day's events as follows.

10.30am: Powhiri to greet the arrival of the Associate Minister of Health Tariana Turia into the large marquee (featuring seating and rostrum) and a quick style waiata [songs]. This is estimated to take 15 minutes to allow for a cup of tea and some kai then ...

11am: Harko Brown makes formal introduction and acknowledgements.

11.05am: Greg McManus, CEO Waitangi National Trust, will speak followed by an address from Far North Mayor John Carter.

11.15am: Honorary Minister Tariana Turia speaks.

11.30am: Cutting of the ribbon on to the field through the waharoa [gateway], calling on, ceremonial removing of fern fronds (placed in a circle) off the tupu by seven pairs of representatives, i.e. a girl and a boy from each of the seven schools that decorated pou; then karakia [prayer].

11.35am-12.15pm: school presentations, and a walk around the field as local school principals/ reps/ artists talk about their work on the tupu, seven pou and waharoa. Photos will be taken of each school group with the Minister, Mayor and Waitangi National Trust CEO while kites will be flown.

12.15pm: Lunch and farewell waiata for guests, and exhibition games in tamariki [children] and rangatahi [older youth] divisions including Kawakawa Primary School vs Paihia Primary School at 12.15pm, Kawakawa vs Te Wharekura o Te Rawhiti at 12.40pm, Te Rawhiti vs Paihia PS at 1.05pm; Taipa AS vs Te Rawhiti at 1.40pm, with a strong possibility a number of other games will take place throughout the afternoon.

An article on the extensive preparations for the opening ceremony also featured in last Tuesday's edition of the Northland Age (November 26).