Swimming, food and music to fill Waitangi Day

Waitangi Day in Taranaki should take place under mostly fine skies, once scattered morning showers clear.

MetService is predicting the sun to be out by the time the 102-year-old Flannagan Cup swimming race begins off Nga¯motu Beach.

The event, which has been held in New Plymouth nearly every Waitangi Day since 1916, has been revitalised after it was nearly cancelled for lack of people to run it.

Entries in this year’s event were up 50 per cent on last year, organising committee member Neal Parkinson said.

Swimmers had rallied after news the race was threatened and new sponsors had come on board, he said.

‘‘The swimming fraternity has really got behind it.’’

With the weather was looking promising Parkinson expected a good crowd to watch the events, which begin at 12.20pm with the masters and juniors swimmers. The main race is a 1.15pm.

‘‘We have a very strong field for the 3.6 kilometre race, the Flannagan Cup,’’ Parkinson said. ‘‘There’s always a good crowd. Being Waitangi Day and on the beach there’s a real carnival atmosphere.’’

Notable competitors in the cup race this year include last year’s winner, Zac Reid, 17, former Taranaki rugby player Tony Arnold, former long distance runner Nyla Carroll, and New Plymouth Boys’ High School principal Paul Veric, who could well end up competing with some of his students who have also entered.

For those wanting to celebrate the 178th commemoration of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, Puke Ariki Landing in New Plymouth is the place to be. There will be live entertainment, a poi workshop and tamariki zone and food stalls between 11am and 2pm.

Treaty educators will be available on-site to provide a fun and safe environment to learn about the Treaty.

In South Taranaki, the Pa¯tea Ma¯ ori Club will lead the festivities at Paepae in the Park, alongside local musicians from a variety of genre.

The kauma¯ tua of Pa¯ tea Ma¯ ori Club ‘‘Taikuri’’ will open the powhiri with their sacred waiata to set the tone for a day jam-packed with music.

The free family event, which will have food and craft stalls, is smoke and alcohol free.

PHOTO: ANDY JACKSON/FAIRFAX NZ Last year’s Flannagan Cup winner, and surf lifesaver, Zac Reid is back to defend his title on Waitangi Day.

PHOTO: ANDY JACKSON/STUFF There was a big crowd at Paepae in the Park in Pa¯ tea on Waitangi Day 2017 and another large turn out is expected this year.