WRC members,

we have been in discussions with the Wellington Tenths Trust, and I am pleased to announce that together with Star RC we are invited to participate in an aquatic celebration as part of Waitangi Day.  

The goal is to bring life and energy to the lagoon, through the cultural recognition of Waitangi Day given the importance of the lagoon to local Maori.  For the general public there will stilt walkers, weavers, hopscotch, DJ, poi demonstration, bbq's and of course a coffee cart. 

The celebration includes waka, rowing boats and hopefully dragon boats.  The morning will start off with a procession on the lagoon for a salute to the Kumatua, the Trust Board members, and the Mayor, followed by a cuppa. Then there will be an opportunity for the public and club members to try out the various water craft and ergs. There will be stilt walkers, a DJ, traditional weaving demonstrations, poi, hopscotch, a coffee cart and bbq.  Club members will have the opportunity to try out a waka and a dragon boat, and we are planning a race across all three craft.

WRC and Star have been asked to provide ergs, rowing boats for the on-water salute, then rowing boats with members assisting new rowers, bbq and safety boats.  It is planned that the ergs will be placed on the lower terrace in front of Wharewaka/lagoon, and we hold a competition for best time (1 km?).  The bbq will be held in the area next to our shed where we have our outside boats stored, and it is an opportunity for one of our schools to use the event to raise funds for their rowing squads.

If you would like to be involved on the day, either as a rower or a volunteer in helping set up, please contact Jo Stokes by 27/1/23 on JRStokes97@gmail.com

Article added: Tuesday 24 January 2023