DANDENONG Market will celebrate Waitangi Day on Sunday 7 February with performances and activities for market visitors.
Waitangi Day commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi on 6 February, 1840. The treaty made New Zealand a part of the British Empire, guaranteed Maori rights to their land and gave Maori the rights of British subjects.
Entertainment and activities includes performances by Maori cultural troop Te Hononga O Nga Iwi, moko face stencilling and a traditional weaving workshop.
Moko is a traditional body art often associated with cultural performances such as Kapa Haka performances. The designs are often created for cultural performances with face paint, using intricate stencils.
Raranga, is a traditional Maori weaving style used to make rourou (food baskets), kete (bags) and other adornment which were necessities in every day life for traditional Maori society.
All entertainment and activities are free.
One of Dandenong Market’s favourite new street food vans, NZ Street Food, will also be operating on Sunday 7 February (all market day from 10am–3pm). NZ Street Food Kiwi offer inspired kai (food), and is best known for their hugely popular hangi, a traditional dish made with chicken, lamb, potato, pumpkin, sweet potato, cabbage, stuffing and fried bread. NZ Street food also offer other delicious NZ delicacies, including: raw fish, mussel fritters, NZ kina, fried bread burgers, pulled pork with coleslaw and steamed pudding with custard.
Program:
11am–2pm: Moko face painting.
11am–2pm Traditional weaving workshop.
11am–11.30am: Dance performance by the Te Hononga O Nga Iwi children’s group.
Noon–12.30pm Maurakau (weaponry display) by the Te Hononga O Nga Iwi group.
1pm–1.30pm Traditional dance by the Te Hononga O Nga Iwi group.
