It appeared Wanganui came of age and locals flocked to Moutoa Gardens / Pakaitore in Wanganui, and to Paepae in the Park in Patea yesterday to celebrate Waitangi Day. The significance of the signing of the treaty at Waitangi which intrinsically founded a partnership between two races ? Maori and
Pakeha ? has been marked over the years by division and conflict. Justin Gush of Te Oranganui and Jay Rerekura of Taumata Hauora breathed life into a day that was waning in spirit. Yesterday the Wanganui community turned out in stronger numbers than for many years. The children enjoyed the fun events on the gardens that 11 years ago spawned a defining time for Wanganui with its occupation by local iwi. In Patea, at Paepae in the Park, the sun blazed and the karaoke finalists pumped up the volume. Organised by Patea community members, the South Taranaki town put on a great day with food stalls doing brisk business ? hangi and ice blocks in the main ? and the renowned spirit of a town that picked itself up after its freezing works closure, showed why its musical talent has brought it world attention. The Patea Maori Club opened the day's celebrations; 80's band Ardijah entertained in the afternoon and other entertainment included Joy Hamlin and Boss Heke, both of Hawera, and Patea dance, taekwando and Zen do Kai groups. Patea rappers, Maori Boy's Soldiers of Sound rapped they wanted to "connect and share in the summertime season for healing" and Maori Girl Lady D added her goddess voice to the rap mix.
