Waitangi Day

Friday 6 February: 6am on the foreshore at Okahu Bay.  We came for the dawn blessing, and found the ceremony was also the opening of the Auckland Pride Festival.

Mika

With the sun about to rise, the inimitable Mika (a wonderful performer, and a powerful voice for the marginalized young people in our society) with support from Ngaati Whatua celebrated the dawn of Waitangi Day, and the opening of the Pride Festival.  A moving ceremony led by a diverse group of wonderful young people.

This year, Mika and the Mika Haka Foundation  are asking for special efforts to prevent youth suicide, the rates of which are appallingly high in Aotearoa, especially among young Maori.

http://www.mikahakafoundation.co.nz/about-2/

After a waterfront breakfast, we  drove to Waiuku for our usual commitment to the Ngaati Te Ata Achievers’ Day at Tahuna Pa.  This celebration of the academic, sporting, cultural and social achievements of their  children and others has been held for more than 20 years now.  Great to catch up with many families we haven’t seen for a year, and to enjoy a delicious hangi meal again.