Hokitika to celebrate Waitangi Day

• Published date: 25 January 2023
• Publication title: West Coast Messenger, The

The joint celebrations between Poutini Ngai Tahu and the Westland District Council had been planned for Te Tauraka Waka a Maui Marae at Mahitahi, Bruce Bay, for the past two years

The 2022 event was cancelled due to the combination of COVID restrictions and forecasts of a dangerous storm in South Westland, and this year the marae has again been thwarted from hosting the day.

Celebrations have instead been moved to Lazar Park Hall in Hokitika.

"Unfortunately, supply chain issues mean the extensive refurbishment and extension of our marae will not be completed in time, despite best laid plans," Te Runanga · Makaawhio chairman Paul Madgwick said.

The Mahitahi Marae, opened in 2005, is in the final stages of a $1 million redevelopment and Waitangi Day was planned for the public unveiling.

"As an alternative, we've put together an interesting programme for a completely free, family day out at the central location of Lazar Park," Mr Madgwick said.

The day begins with the opportunity to watch a traditional hangi put down in the morning, and later pulled up in time for lunch. The umu for the hangi will be in Gibson Quay near the Custom House and will go down about 9am for those keen to watch the process.

A powhiri in a marquee at Lazar Park will formally open the day's programme at 10am, followed by morning...