THE young trio Sonorous will be among the many acts to delight audiences at the big outdoor concert at the Taumarunui Domain. From left are Lucian McDermott, Paris and Khani Mete. PHOTO SUPPLIED
THE Kotahitanga Festival, to be staged at the Taumarunui Domain on February 11, has been designed to promote a message of “unity in the community”, organiser Anahera Hose said.
“We have created this festival with rangatahi since 2017, bringing our people together after division of our people caused through the Treaty Settlement process,” Anahera said.
She added that the Kotahitanga Festival was a no-alcohol, no-drugs, no-dogs festival, “and all cultures are welcome to enjoy the live entertainment of local and national bands that all whakapapa back to our awa.”
After the festival was cancelled last year due to Covid, organisers were thrilled to secure funding from the Thermal Explorer Highway Regional Events Fund, and receive support from local businesses, operators, service providers and iwi.
The event is expected to attract 3000 people, locals and out-of-region visitors, to the heart of the King Country.
The community-led event, brought together by Te Awanui a Rua Charitable Trust, invites visitors from the wider regions to seek deeper connective experiences and create unity in the community.
“The festival invites our communities to come together during a special time of year which has significant historic and cultural gatherings, while bringing whānau home to rekindle their ahika (home fires),” Anahera said.
“This year, the festival will be extended to the wider regions with a focus on unity and well-being, through music, kai and fantastic stalls for the whole family to enjoy.”
The event takes place at Taumarunui Domain from 12pm-8pm.
The manager of the Ruapehu i-site, Kim Treen, said she was excited her staff would attend the festival and showcase a range of activities to enjoy in and around Taumarunui.
“Visitors will be blown away at what we have to offer year-round,” Kim said. Attractions include jetboating and canoeing from Nga Huinga (Cherry Grove); railcart trips with Forgotten World Adventures; Lauren’s Lavender Farm and Nevalea Alpaca Farm.
Event marketer Summer Rangi-Clark said although an entry charge had been introduced this year, the aim was still to make it as whānau-friendly as possible by keeping costs within the budget of a lot of people.
“We are aware that it’s hard out there after Covid and the lockdowns and in the environment of a lot of people being scared of losing their jobs. Those aged nine and under, and those aged over 64 will be free.”
A “whānau pack” will be available, enabling entry for two adults with up to five children.
Families attending are invited to bring their gazebos, marquees and chilly bins for food and drink. The nearby swimming pool will be open for the children to use and there will be a bouncy castle.
“We wanted the day to be accessible for everyone, from tamariki to kaumatua.” A long line-up of popular artists had been signed up, some of whom are renewing acquaintance with the area and reconnecting with whānau living in the King Country.
House of Shem will headline, with special guests including Foundation, Israel Star, Tahi, Brutha Rodz, NLC, DJ Kyayz, MC Manahi, Sonorous and others. Tickets can be purchased online at kotahitangafestival.com
