Venkat Raman
Auckland, February 1, 2021
The government has provided about $288,000 as grants to various organisations throughout New Zealand to organise community events commemorating Waitangi Day 2021, Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Carmel Sepuloni has said.
She said that commemorating the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi) is important because it celebrates the importance of who we are as a Nation.
“The grants have been awarded for events promoting nation and community building and those encouraging wide community participation and cultural experience. From workshops on Te Tiriti and whānau-oriented marae days to performance and children’s activities these nationwide events will deepen our understanding of Te Tiriti,” she said.
Ms Sepuloni said that along with national commemorations at Waitangi (Bay of Islands), the New Zealand Federation of Multicultural Councils is hosting a community wananga in Northland for migrant and refugee communities on the reo Māori version of Te Tiriti.
“The Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga o Waikato is hosting Te Tiriti focussed exhibitions, with guest speakers, performances, crafts and children’s activities. At the Carterton District Council Community event at Hurunui o Rangi Marae, there will be an opportunity to connect with mana whenua to learn about Te Tiriti and experience manaakitanga,” she said.
Ms Sepuloni said that West Coasters will have a choice of events in Hokitika, Westport and Greymouth featuring hui, waiata, kanikani, poi, kapa haka and kai.
“Activities in Te Anau include a re-enactment of Te Tiriti signing by Mararoa Primary School students and the Chatham Community Focus Trust is running a scavenger hunt, taking the community to places of significance with Waitangi Day questions and quizzes at each site.
I am that sure this year’s events will bring communities together to reinforce the value of Te Tiriti,” she said.
Health Ministry regulations
“We are fortunate in Aotearoa to be able to host large gatherings, however I encourage grant recipients to remain vigilant and take the necessary steps to align with Ministry of Health guidelines for gatherings to ensure we continue to keep our communities as safe as possible,” Ms Sepuloni said.
Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage has a full list of 2021 funded events here.
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