This year's Waitangi Day celebrations in Manukau have a line up of outstanding artists - Tiki Tane, Hollie Smith and P Money just to name a few. The event is New Zealand's second-largest and Auckland region's largest commemorative event, and attracts over 40,000 every year.

On February 6 New Zealand marks the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. It's a day for reflecting on our Treaty, says Mayor of Manukau Len Brown.This year's Waitangi Day celebrations in Manukau have a line up of outstanding artists - Tiki Tane, Hollie Smith and P Money just to name a few. The event is New Zealand's second-largest and Auckland region's largest commemorative event, and attracts over 40,000 every year.

On February 6 New Zealand marks the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. It's a day for reflecting on our Treaty, says Mayor of Manukau Len Brown. "It is a time to reflect on the impact of the treaty on our history and our future. Manukau's celebrations are also a reflection of our diversity."

Organised by Toi o Manukau Maori Arts and Culture Trust, and supported by Manukau City Council and Lets Beat Diabetes-CMDHB the celebration will be attended by Prime Minister John Key and the Governor General Anand Satyanand.

Families in the Auckland region can expect a fun day of ceremony, education, free entertainment and kids' rides.

The programme includes:

Atea: ceremonial welcome

The Whakangahau area: a performance stage with free entertainment throughout the day. Headlined by Tiki, Holly Smith and P Money with Vince Harder, David Dallas, PNC, DJ Manuel Bundy, Liquid Colours and Te Aratoi.

Tamariki zone: popular children's area, incorporating free children's rides and activities and an under-five area.

Nga Toi: arts area will include an exhibition, workshops, interactive art making and demonstrations of weaving, ta moko, painting and carving.

Marketplace: a shopping village full of a variety of stalls selling healthy kai, arts, crafts, clothing and merchandise along with information stalls.

Tiriti Korero: Treaty education. Information and discussion forums with guest speakers will cover current Treaty issues followed by a screening of Maori short films, Maori authors poetry readings and Supa Maori fullas presentation with Pio Terei and friends in the Genesis Energy Theatre.

Premier sponsorship is provided by Let's Beat Diabetes with additional sponsorship by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, Four Winds Trust and the Wiri Licensing Trust.

What: Waitangi Day Family Celebration

When: Friday 6 February, 10am - 6pm

Where: TelstraCrear Pacific, 770 Great South Road, Manukau

05/02/09