Festival of the Elements

PROGRAMME - Waitangi Day - Monday 6th February 2012

TE RAUPARAHA PARK, PORIRUA
The Treaty brings the world to Porirua

2012 ELEMENTS FESTIVAL BIGGER THAN EVER

The Porirua Community Arts Council has outdone itself with another fantastic Festival of the Elements planned for Waitangi Day 2012.

The festival has expanded to more venues offering extra exciting acts and activities for all ages and interests. These will spread across Pataka and Te Rauparaha Arena and out onto the Park.

This year for the first time, Porirua Library will open its doors with story teller Moira Wairama on hand to captivate the kids while performances in Pataka have been extended to the Performing Arts Space with a variety of styles, instruments and beats on offer.

Apirana Taylor will playing traditional Maori instruments to enhance his adult storytelling while Rosy Tin Teacaddy is sure to raise a smile with their original, NZ inspired songs. Banjos will be the highlight of the Bluegrass trio, Sandpaper Tango, where foot-tapping will be hard to resist and stunning local young talent will also be on show in this custom-made performance space.

If you prefer something a bit quieter then visit the Helen Smith Community Room next door for poetry by Glenn Cloquhoun and an artist talk by Gavin Bishop who will also launch the Te Reo Maori version of his beautifully illustrated book "This is the House that Jack Built".

Meanwhile, Pataka's Spine will be a fusion of artists' work from pastels and Siapo prints to guitar making and sandblasted glass.

Across the courtyard in Te Rauparaha Arena young people will be able enjoy the Wellington Youth Circus performing aerial and ground-based acts while the small gym will become the domain of kids aged 5 to 12 years. Over 15 art and action activities will be on offer, all with an Earth element theme. This includes an endangered species hunt; making sprout people, worm farms and flower garlands, and author Gavin Bishop will put in an appearance to help to build the house of Jack!

Those ready for a sit down in a restful area will want to head upstairs to the theatrette where the Pauatahanui Inlet Community Trust will be showing their 12 part beautifully filmed series on the Inlet.

Meanwhile, youngsters with still more energy to burn should head to the aquatic centre for some fun and games…and like everything else on the day – it's all free!

Last but not least, there's more action out on Te Rauparaha Park and at the skate park where the annual skating competition will be on show for those wanting to participate or simply to watch the skilled skaters in motion. Register for the competition on the day.

On the main stage Rodger Fox's Wellington Jazz Orchestra will feature Erna Ferry while Maria Kapa will sing a mix of contemporary songs, show tunes and Maori classics. Local band Tribal Rising will perform band originals while regular local acts and community groups will share the colour of their cultures.

Healthy ethnic food stalls will ensure energy levels are restored so you make the most of this action-packed day of family fun.

Don't miss out - 11am to 7.30pm, Waitangi Day, 6 February 2012.