Ohinemutu marks nearly 650 years

Ohinemutu is set to celebrate nearly 650 years of settlement tomorrow night.

A historic Rotorua settlement is set to celebrate nearly 650 years of existence.

A family fun evening will be held tomorrow night in Ohinemutu as a birthday celebration for the lakeside village.

Organiser and resident Ian Frith said the event was to acknowledge the rich history of the area, which had been continuously settled since at least 1365.

"Throughout the country we celebrate all these different milestones and very few of them are over 100 years old," Mr Frith said.

"I thought it would be good to recognise that Ohinemutu has been continuously settled for at least 648 years.

"It is also a celebration for the people who live here, because some don't realise that they live in such a historical place."

The evening had been sponsored by Pukeroa-Oruawhata Trust and the newly formed Ohinemutu Historical Restoration Trust, which aimed to preserve the iconic community. Families will be able to enjoy a free sausage sizzle, drinks and icecream and can wear glow-in-the-dark bracelets that will be handed out. A fireworks display is set to conclude the family event before those over 18 can enjoy live music at the Lakehouse which will re-open for the celebrations.

"It's fantastic living here. You're right on the lakefront. People would pay millions of dollars to have a hot pool in their backyard and seeing the steam rising up. When Maori first settled [in Ohinemutu] there was hot and cold running water, food in abundance, it was one of the earliest iconic settlements.

"It has a lot of significant Rotorua spots that hold a lot of history - the church, the marae. There is a strong communal pride in our area and this event is to acknowledge that."

The celebrations are primarily for residents and will start from 8.30pm at Ruapeka Lakefront Reserve, in front of Tunohopu Marae. The fireworks display will be held at about 9pm.

Mr Frith said Maori wardens would assist on the night and parking in the village would be strictly prohibited for safety reasons.