Latest News Waitangi Day Origins Festival Needs You! It’s on again. For the fourth year running, the unique Wairarapa Waitangi Day event is booked for Queen Elizabeth Park, Masterton on February 6, 2010.  Organisers are holding a public meeting on October 7 in the Frank Cody Lounge to get a feel for next year’s event.  “We’re into the fourth festival now and, while our format is tried and true, we’re open to all new suggestions and ideas,” says Festival Co-ordinator Jonathan Hooker.    “We want as much new involvement as we can get, with people coming on board who are committed to celebrating their unique culture – whether that be with a food or information stall, an activity for families, or an on-stage performance,” Mr Hooker said.  Next year may seem a long way off but those previously involved with the big event know how important forward-planning is to ensure a good day.  “We can book everything but the weather.  Fortunately for us it’s been hot and sunny three years in a row and each time we hold the event it brings thousands of people together.  The last one even attracted people from as far north as the Bay of Islands and some people opted to leave their city Waitangi Day event in favour of a relaxed community day in the historic Queen Elizabeth Park.”  Mr Hooker said the point of difference with Origins was the fact it was held in a small town with a lot to offer,  including many new cultures who’d been told they were not just welcome but integral to the success of the day. “We’ve chosen to celebrate all our cultures on Waitangi Day.  We celebrate that inclusiveness and everyone involved gets a kick out of highlighting their traditional food and culture.  Mr Hooker also described the venue as ‘special’.  “There’s no concrete, lots of trees creating a natural amphitheatre around the grass oval and it’s just a nice mellow location perfect for the family.” KidzOwn Park is incorporated into the day, the Lake of Remembrance in the park features a miniature train running on its own island FREE all day long and the food and performances rival those at any similar event being held in any one of the big towns or cities nationwide,” Mr Hooker said.   What: Waitangi Day Origins 2010 public meeting When: Wednesday October 7, 9.30 – 10.30am Where: MDC Frank Cody Lounge, Masterton Why: to discuss stallholders and acts For more information contact the Masterton District Council call centre on (06) 370 6300 or email origins@mstn.govt.nz 25 September 2009