LOCALS flocked to Pakaitore (Moutoa Gardens) yesterday for the best attended Waitangi Day celebrations held in Wanganui in years.
Food for all tastes from curries to steak and egg sandwiches, steamed pudding with cream and custard, and barbecue ribs in a menu of takeaways for the Kaiwhaiki DIY marae fundraiser, fed
the crowds that mingled in an atmosphere of community celebration on Waitangi Day.
The successful day was organised by Jay Rerekura and Leroy Matthews of Te Oranganui Iwi Health.
Craft stalls offered Samoan mats, plants and knicknacks, and information on the Treaty was also available. An obstacle course and the bouncy castle were the sideshow events for the young and krumping drew the crowds to watch the fast-paced entertainment of skill and rhythms.
Waka ama on the Whanganui River was a time for rivalry as the Woons, Rangi Clan, Koroheke, Wahine Toa, Tatou Tatou, O'Donnell's, Withers and Who Cares paddled against an outgoing tide toward the start line.
Whanganui River Maori Trust Board CE Nancy Tuaine called the race progress in a way not quite heard before: "Watch out, Wahine Toa. Koroheke is up your bum," and Illona Davis called the placings as the crews crossed the finish line in front of the TS Calliope shed.
Waka results: Rangi Clan 1, O'Donnells 2, Tatou Tatou 3.
Later in the day, bands entertained the crowds with smooth reggae beats.
