An event promoted as a rugby, haka and hangi festival will be part of Rugby World Cup celebrations in Wairarapa.
Hosted by Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Inc, it will be staged at the Carterton rugby grounds on September 10 and 11 and will coincide with the Heartland championship match being played therebetween traditional rivals Wairarapa-Bush and Poverty Bay.
It will be the first of a series of similar festivals with others being planned for Hastings/Napier, Te Aute College in Central Hawke's Bay, Wairoa and Dannevirke.
A major objective of the festivals, which will have no charge for admittance, is to provide "feasting, fun and entertainment" for the many overseas visitors certain to visit to watch the World Cup action.
They will be formally welcomed at a marae and will be given the opportunity to take part in workshops which will cover a wide range of interests, from rugby basics and skills to participating in traditional Maori games and pastimes.
Live demonstrations are expected to include sheep shearing, hangi preparation, fly fishing, yarn spinning and methods used in the smoking of fish and meats.
Food and craft stalls will surround the playing field for the Heartland championship game and they will highlight the fresh produce which can be purchased in the local region.
A "bake and shine" competition will see participants aim to be the best bread maker or best shiner of a ute.
Pre-game, halftime and after game entertainment will be led by kapa haka performers with singers and dance troupes from all local ethnic communities strutting their stuff as will outstanding soloists and musicians from within the local area and beyond.
Visitors will be also invited to take part in social rugby games which will take place simultaneously at the one venue.
It is envisaged games will be played under the sevens format and be accompanied by music and dance - and probably a combination of both.
