12 Jan 2012
West Aucklands Muriwai Beach will see its first Waitangi Day festival this year, with some big names in support.
Well known Polynesian musicians are joining a host of exciting artists in Muriwai (on Auckland's West Coast) next month, to celebrate the area's first Waitangi Day Festival.
One of New Zealand's best-loved artists, Anika Moa, will join popular South Auckland funksters Ardijah, the soulful Maisey Rika, world music trio Pacific Curls and local musicians including 15year old Majic and family band Muzacon, songstress Nat Rose (just back fromRhythm & Vines) and others.
"I'm looking forward to playing this show on Waitangi Day," says Anika Moa, "it will bring together an amazing bunch of musos and is set at Muriwai Beach, which is part of the path of our tupuna matua. It's very inspiring and humbling to get to be a part of this".
Set within native bush at Houghtons Bush Camp, the first Waitangi Day Muriwai Festival is a festival with a difference. Over 15 Muriwai Beach painters, photographers, sculptors and jewellers will be creating, exhibiting and selling new works for a special Waitangi Day Exhibition. A guided hikoi of small groups to a sacred site on the venue will be made available throughout the day while in between bands, a series of lively speakers and celebrities will sit in ‘the Treaty Hot Seat’ on stage.
All music, art, cuisine, korero and crafts will acknowledge 'Every Day is Waitangi Day’ and in keeping with the theme, the event will be smoke-free, drug-free, alcohol-free and operate with a zero waste policy.Due to the size of the site, tickets will be strictly limited.
Recent Muriwai resident Moana Maniapo will be launching the band Moana & the Tribe's new CD The Best of Moana & the Tribe at the festival and is looking forward to the creative celebration of Waitangi day.
"Muriwai is like an art colony," says Moana "there are so many visual artists, musicians and filmmakers living out here. I knew about the Matariki and Muriwai Music Festivals. I talked to another local singer Nat Rose about building a new event at Muriwai for Waitangi Day that brings visual and performing artists together under the theme ‘Every Day is Waitangi Day.’ Nat talked to someone, who talked to someone else…next minute, there’s a group of us and it’s all on."
All ticket proceeds will be donated towards the Muriwai Lifeguard Services Amenities Trust fundraiser for a new Club & Community Centre and Reweti Marae.
‘Muriwai needs a dedicated venue for community events as well as a new home for the lifeguards who most people probably take for granted until they need them.’
The Muriwai Waitangi Day Festival has received support from Auckland Council, Creative New Zealand and Te Puni Kokiri.
For more information visit the website: www.muriwaifestival.com
Title: Muriwai Waitangi Day Festival
Venue: Houghtons Bush Camp, 75 Motutara Rd, Muriwai Beach
Date: 6 February 2012
Info: http://www.eventfinder.co.nz/2012/muriwai-waitangi-day-festival-2012/auckland/muriwai-beach
CATEGORIES: Community arts, Events Latest news and blog
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