“To come and enjoy the day, which is obviously a special day for New Zealand itself.”
The event will be smoke-free and alcohol-free.
Hinga said the organisers wanted to make the festivities accessible for attendees of all ages.
Some of this year’s highlights include the headline act, Pātea Māori Club.
“They’ve obviously made a big contribution to New Zealand music and the cultural history,” Hinga said.
Pātea Māori Club’s performance will close the festival.
“Which is going to be really, really exciting and, for a lot of people, to get them to experience the culture and watch them perform.”
Tauranga duo TJ & Huri will perform earlier in the day, showcasing their internationally-toured act inspired by Māori roots.
Whanganui school group Lights Go Out will debut at the festival.
The 11-member band is a composite of students from various schools, including Te Kura Waenga o Rutherford, Whanganui High School and Cullinane College.
“We’re looking forward to watching them perform.”
Other acts include Taikura Kapa Haka Group, Pātea Area School, Surge Cartel and Kwyze (Keenan Ratahi).
More than 20 food vendors will offer a selection of kai.
Māori art, crafts, cultural designs and products, featuring artists from Southern Taranaki, Whanganui and Manawatū, will be available at 11 craft stalls.
“We just want you people to enjoy the day, enjoy the food,” Hinga said.
“There’s going to be a variety of kai that’s going to be on offer there and we just want them to experience the time at Paepae in Pātea.”
More information on Paepae in the Park is available online at the South Taranaki District Council website or Facebook page.
Erin Smith is a multimedia journalist based in Whanganui.
