Treaty day set to be a hit

People of all cultures are being encouraged to head to the Waitangi Day Festival 2013 at Henley Lake next month.

The event is funded by Masterton District Council and Trust House Masterton and will include a variety of stalls, entertainment and activities.

Organisers Deborah Davidson and Tirau Te Tau said this year's event will be better than last year's.

Ms Davidson said the Amazing Treaty Race, which includes navigating around stations and completing activities such as singing the national anthem in Maori, and opening and eating a mussel, was a big hit.

She said it would be held later in the day to allow people to register their teams at the event.

Other activities include learning how to make and use poi and a Tug-o-War competition.

Ms Davidson said it would also be a chance to learn more about the Treaty of Waitangi.

"The more educated people are about the treaty, the less critical they are and the more they understand it," she said.

They are also planning a Facebook page to promote the event and to allow people to order Waitangi Day t-shirts and singlets.

"I would like to encourage every kind of culture to come down," Ms Te Tau said.

"Waitangi Day is not just a Maori day, it's a celebration of New Zealand."

Agencies that will have information stalls at the event include Whaiora, Hauora, Rangitane O Wairarapa, Stopping Violence, Te Rangimarie Clinic Services and King St Arts.

There will also be a hangi, "fry" bread, ice-cream and sausage sizzles for purchase although people can bring their own lunches.

Performances will include Lenny T - the cuzzy bros and the chur sistahs, Koia, Dancing Samoans and kapahaka.