A free whānau festival was held on the Dunedin Botanic Garden’s Rotunda Lawn yesterday, jointly organised by Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki and the Dunedin City Council.
Enterprise Dunedin event producer Rewa Pene estimated between 2000 and 3000 people attended the two-hour event, marking the first signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840.
"I think we definitely could have kept going, so perhaps in future years we can extend it out.
"I’m just so happy the sun came out."
The event was opened by mana whenua representative Matapura Ellison and Dunedin Mayor Sophie Barker.
Miss Pene said the schedule focused on community interaction and providing space for people wanting to perform or speak.
Crowd participation in kapa haka was encouraged and workshops included poi making, mahi toi (arts and craft) and taiaha.
Hāngī sold out and the food truck was busy, as was the mirimiri (massage) tent, she said.
Miss Pene thanked the garden for hosting and credited the change of scenery for high attendance.
"For a long time it’s been at the Octagon ... [and] people are always keen to be part of this event.
"But I think it’s just the accessibility of the gardens here.
"From kids and babies right up to your kaumātua."
Support group Te Roopu Tautoko ki te Tonga brought kaumātua to the event, where they enjoyed a kai and kōrero.
"They all got to sit together with their friends.
"It was really beautiful.
"I think that really made the event, just having all of our kaumātua there to enjoy it together and spend that time together."
Free limited waka tours and guided walks in Karitane, also jointly organised, were fully booked earlier in the week.
Miss Pene said the tours were an "absolute success", complimented by beautiful weather in Karitane.
"I think if we can, and if it’s right to, we’ll definitely do it again and maybe do it bigger and better."
