Action-packed plan with family-friendly events

Big crowd are expected at Whakarewarewa Thermal Village on Waitangi Day.

Rotorua has a range of family-friendly options for those wishing to celebrate Waitangi Day.

Whakarewarewa Thermal Village is holding its eighth annual Waitangi Day celebrations and is hoping to attract more than 3000 people.

Marketing manager Renee Raimona said the event on Friday would raise funds for community group Weaving Hope Acceptance Kindness Aroha, that works with children from the village.

"We are celebrating Maori culture this year, we are almost going back to the beginning.

"It's all based around whakapapa and te reo Maori.

"There will be arts and crafts, heaps of kids' entertainment, food, face painting, ta moko stencils.

"It starts at 10am and winds up about 3pm. A highlight will be the wearable arts, which are based on contemporary and traditional art designs."

The event is $18 for visitors and free for locals.

The Ngongotaha Railway Park is also hosting a Waitangi Day celebration from 10am to 3pm.

Organiser Lynn Benfell is expecting nearly 2000 people to come along to the whanau-focused event.

"We have a creative banner stand where people can participate in painting banners. We have free train rides and bouncy castles, we have entertainment, Tuporo Tuhikiterangi Kohanga Reo and a group of students from Western Heights High School will be performing.

"We have line dancers, lots of food stalls, alpacas to pet, face painting ... it's a really full-on day."

"Taiko drummers are coming out, and we have Cook Island dance as well. There is just something for everybody, and entertainment for young people and whanau. It's just going to be really vibrant, bring a picnic."

On Saturday, the Rotorua Youth Centre has organised a concert at the Whakarewarewa Thermal Village.

The youth centre's events and activities co-ordinator Veena Kameta said the smoke, drug and alcohol-free event would focus on the community.

"We have bands Staze, Stella Marris and Open Arms playing, and a guest speaker about mau raukau, which is a stick game used for self discipline that encourages a whole lot of things like getting to know yourself and your heritage.

"We have spray tattoos and ta moko, face painting, food stalls and spot prizes. We have some belly dancing and cultural performances as well.

"The community of Rotorua can come and spend the day with their family and celebrate the cultures in New Zealand."