Children have a splashing good time
The annual Festival of the Elements is a day of performances, music, culture and art held at Te Rauparaha Park and Arena. Events include sculpture and skateboarding competitions and world food stalls. It runs from 11am till 7pm. Information at elementsfestival.org.nz. The Kapiti Coast’s first splash pad has been welcomed by youngsters sizzling in particularly high temperatures.
The splash pad has been set up in a playground in Raumati.
The water feature was installed as part of an upgrade of Marine Gardens and is the first of its type to be installed in a public park in the Wellington region.
‘‘It is very rewarding to see kids Upper Hutt’s Orongomai Marae will be open to the public for Waitangi celebrations with a traditional powhiri, entertainment and activities. The marae is at 1 Railway Ave, Wallaceville. From 9am till 2pm. Free. having so much fun,’’ says Kapiti Coast District Council’s leisure and open spaces asset manager, Lex Bartlett.
Non-slip mats were installed on the floor to make it safer.
‘‘We have ‘no running’ signs up around the pad, but where there are jet sprays and water cannons, kids are going to run. The matting is an extra safety precaution, and does a great job of reducing the risk of falling,’’ Mr Bartlett says.
The splash pad replaced an old Whakarongotai Marae in Waikanae will host the coast’s celebrations. Learn more about the Treaty and host iwi Te Ati Awa Ki Whakarongotai and their ancestors’ history. A powhiri will begin the celebrations at 10am followed by entertainment duck-shaped padding pool and uses a lot less water, because it is recycled through a filtration system.
Other new features in the playground include a flying fox, an array of swings and climbing frames, a giant sandpit with interactive equipment, two slides, a seesaw and three spinners.
The $662,000 upgrade, including landscaping and picnic tables and chairs, was completed in October.
throughout the day. Free.
WAIRARAPA
Waitangi Day Masterton 2013 will be a family affair with kapa haka, Polynesian dancing and bands. Food will be on sale, or pack a picnic. The event is at Henley Lake Domain, Colombo Rd, from 11am till 3pm.
HAWKE’S BAY
Arts, crafts, delicious food, children’s activities and a variety of entertainment will be on the cards at the 14th annual Waitangi Family Festival at Clive. Among the highlights this year is the Waitangi’s Got Talent competition, scouting Hawke’s Bay’s best and brightest. The event is at Farndon Park, corner of Farndon Rd and Highway 2, from 9am till 4pm.