Two-day festival at Rotorua marae

Norma Sturley and Monty Morrison gear up for Ngati Whakaue Whakanuia this weekend. PHOTO/BEN FRASER

Final preparations are under way for a celebration that will acknowledge the success of Ngati Whakaue and unite hapu members.

Ngati Whakaue Whakanuia is a two-day festival to be held at Te Papaiouru Marae, Ohinemutu, from Friday.

Event co-ordinator Monty Morrison said each Whakaue marae had been busy practising for the kapa haka day on Saturday.

"It's certainly been a fantastic exercise and we've had a wonderful response from everybody," Mr Morrison said.

"Firstly choosing one marae to stand for is a challenge. Each marae is different, for example I'm performing with Tamatekapua and there are 70 of us.

"The youngest is 3-and-a-half, and the oldest is approaching 80. Everyone is welcome to take part and that's what gives this event its uniqueness."

Mr Morrison said marae members had been travelling from as far as Auckland and Wellington for practice each week to support their hapu.

"The word that's being used by a lot of people is, 'excited'. People are excited to be part of the amazing experience."

Whakaue Whakanuia will also host a "future-makers" day aimed at rangatahi (young people) at university and senior high school students, to give them a chance to listen to and meet Ngati Whakaue achievers in commerce and business.

Panel chairs and speakers included Katie Paul of Ngati Whakaue Asset Trust, television presenter Scotty Morrison, health professional Dr Kopa Manahi and other business and community leaders.

An alumni dinner will be held to recognise iwi recipients of Queen's Honours and those who have achieved national and international honours.

Mr Morrison said it was an opportunity for their koeke (older people) to celebrate in the iwi success.