Marlborough Express - Weekend Express
Market sets scene for Waitangi Day
The wha¯ nau friendly night market is returning to Blenheim.
Te Pa¯taka o Wairau Ma¯ori Night Market will run from 4 – 8pm at Seymour Square on Tuesday February 5.
The market will be held the evening before Waitangi Day and is a chance to celebrate all things Te Ao Ma¯ ori.
This is the third of it’s kind held in Blenheim, following events which ran in March and September last year.
Te Pa¯taka spokesperson Dr Lorraine Eade said Te Pataka was a ‘‘basically a wha¯ nau day’’, but also provided a platform for emerging Ma¯ori businesses to introduce their products.
‘‘We’re wanting to showcase Ma¯ ori businesses, as well as providing a range of Ma¯ori delicacies.’’
The last two events had an incredible atmosphere, Eade said.
‘‘I’m encouraging everybody to bring a picnic blanket ... it’s the day before Waitangi Day, the weather better be beautiful, it’s an opportunity for people to experience that atmosphere.
She believed these events were the first of their kind in the top of the south.
‘‘The key thing for us has always been that it’s an event led and supported by the three Iwi.
‘‘That’s an awesome celebration ... because those Iwi support the kaupapa, the event.
Te Pa¯ taka host for the evening is Ma¯ ori television presenter, humanitarian and ‘‘funny guy’’ Sonny Ngatai.
He would be accompanied by other local entertainers including Carolyn Tipene, Tui Caldwell and DJ Bex, along with some kapahaka roopu.
‘‘The interest and support shown by attendance at the markets has been amazing. The looks on people’s faces as they try their first kina, or the huge line up for the fried bread, as well as the smiles on people’s faces as they watch our kapa haka and entertainers, makes this all worthwhile.’’
Nga¯ ti Toa, Nga¯ ti Rarua and Rangita¯ ne thanked everyone for their ongoing support including sponsors Rata foundation, Marlborough District Council and Te Pu¯ tahitanga.