Fruit, vege and Fiji on Creekfest menu

It’s been a hectic few weeks for Creekfest organiser Liz Kelly, but this Saturday will make it all seem worthwhile she says.

With uncertainty about the festival since the new year due to a funding shortfall, it is expected to attract thousands of revellers to Cannons Creek Park this Saturday.

Ms Kelly says it is a relief to get to this point, with community input and action seeing them over the line.

‘‘It’s wonderful, truly exciting and I know we’re in for a great day, it’s all come together so well.’’

The focus for this year’s festival is child health. Ms Kelly says there are marked disparities in child welfare in Porirua, so Creekfest aims to help families make the right choices for their children.

‘‘It’s appropriate for us to be conveying these messages, but it’s not meant to be negative. We want to be the fence at the top of the cliff, and make sure people realise the services that are available to them.’’

More than 100 stalls, including health providers, will be on hand. There will be fresh fruit and vegetables and Pharmac and Whitireia New Zealand nurses will be present. Gyms will also be running sessions to encourage people to get fit.

Music will be a central part of Creekfest, as always, and Porirua Idol is returning. Headline acts on the main stage include Adeaze, Savage, Three Houses Down and Fiji.

Ms Kelly says Benna Seveali’i from Porirua City Council and members of the business community were vital in making Creekfest happen and despite the short timeframe, organisers have it down to a ‘‘fine art’’ when it comes to preparation.

Creekfest runs from 10am to 4pm. Health Minister Tony Ryall will open the event. Porirua Vikings and St George Dragons rugby league premiers will play a pre-season match from 3pm.