The event | He aha te Hau - Titahi's chant
6 February 2009 Okahu Bay From 9am FREE
On Waitangi Day, 2008, local iwi Ngati Whatua o Orakei and Auckland City Council collaborated to host a free celebration of Waitangi Day and its significance for Aucklanders.
Waitangi Day Festival '08 was held at Okahu Bay - a historical site where in 1841 Ngati Whatua o Orakei welcomed Governor Hobson gifting to him all of the land now known as Auckland's CBD.
Now, 167 years on, Okahu Bay was once again a site of celebration.
Waitangi Day Festival '08 was an alcohol and smoke-free family event, enriched with tradition, culture, food, art and live entertainment. A waka-themed playground and children's rides added to the whanau focus of this inaugural festival - making it the family outing of the summer.
A zero-waste policy encouraged people to consider the environment and to adopt a "pack in, pack-out" attitude on the day - disposing of their own waste at home.
The festival began at 9am with the arrival of key dignitaries via classic sailing yachts at Okahu Bay, re-enacting the arrival of Hobson. Ngati Whatua o Orakei welcomed guests with a traditional powhiri and all members of the public were invited to participate in the official welcome.
The entertainment kicked off at 11am and included Ardijah, Ben Lummis, House of Shem and Cornerstone Roots.
The event was also supported by the Auckland Regional Transport Authority and those who travelled to the event by bus went in the draw to win prizes.
Find out more about the history of Auckland, Tamaki Makarau and Ngati Whatua on Te Ara website.
The waiata (song) played in the background when this page loaded is a short clip from the song 'He aha te Hau', performed by Prince Davis. This version is from the album 'Whare Purongo'.
The chant is a well-known prophecy amongst the Ngati Whatua people and foretells the arrival of a new way of life into the shores of the Waitemata.
Here are the words and English translation:
He aha te hau e wawara mai He tiu, he raaki Nāna i ā mai te pūpūtarakihi ki uta E tikina atu e au ki te kōtiu Kukume mai ai? Koia te pou whakairo ka tū ki Waitematā I aku wairangi e.
What is the wind roars
It comes from the North That casts a paper nautilus shell ashore (symbol of a new way of life) Which I plucked from the north wind And thus claimed? It is the carved pillar that stands in the Waitematā Harbour That I see in my distressed state.
Be sunsmart and burn-free at this event. Protect yourself and your whanau. Remember to bring your hats, a sun umbrella, a shirt, some shades and your SPF30+ sunscreen and help us make it safe for everyone in the sun. Remember- slip, slop, slap, and wrap and have a great time this summer!
Updated June 2008
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