Festival to see in New Year
First New Year’s Eve event to promote wellbeing
Abig festival destined for a small community will promote mental health, serve as an opportunity to remember loved ones and see in the New Year.
Tahawai Charitable Trust has launched its first New Year’s Eve festival, which celebrates youth and places a strong emphasis on promoting mental wellbeing and health.
Trust spokesperson Shaan Kingi says the organising team from Tuapiro Marae hope to uplift, inform and provide hope to youth and families by helping to equip them with “tools for life’’.
“We have lost a number of people to suicide in our small community. Our goal with the Tahawai Festival is to create a space where rangatahi [youth] and their wha¯nau [families] can come together to celebrate their culture, learn from one another and prioritise their mental and physical wellbeing. We want this event to be a source of strength and inspiration for our community.”
They also wanted a festival that was authentic to their community, Shaan says.
The event features live music from Kiwi acts Corella, Ria Hall, House of Shem, Sianne Dougherty, the Harmonic Resonators, Brother Love, Illumingati, Mohi, Park Rd, Louie Campbell, Mikey Mayz and Kristy Erin.
There will be performances from Ma¯ori and Pasifika musicians, familyfriendly activities and food and trade stalls, as well as services promoting mental wellbeing and health, with free counselling available. Camping is also available and fireworks will see in the new year.
“We have dedicated the 2023 festival to the memory of our loved ones; rangatahi lost to suicide.”