Hats on to mark marae's 30 years

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Araiteuru marae council chairwoman Noi Hudson (left), past chairman John Broughton and life member Valerie Walker celebrate the 30th birthday of the marae with decorative hats. Photo by Peter McIntosh.

They might not have given much shade from the sun, but the party hats worn at Araiteuru marae in Dunedin on Waitangi Day left no doubt it was a birthday celebration.

It was the marae's 30th birthday and about 400 people commemorated the milestone by wearing decorated hats and flying flags.

Marae council chairwoman Noi Hudson said she was wearing the most impractical hat of the day, made completely from cardboard, and the medals she had won in Darts at the Masters Games in recent years.

The idea came to her because the games were celebrating their 21st birthday, and medal winners were allowed to wear their medals only during the event each year, she said.

"I might as well wear them out in public while I can," she said.

"It doesn't keep the sun off very well, but it'll hold me down in a gale."

Celebrations began with a mihiwhakatau (official welcome) and activities included kapa haka, games, sports, live music and a game of It's In The Bag with prizes.

john.lewis@odt.co.nz