Festival draws closer...

Historically Maketu is of great significance, in its past, it has been the landing place of the Arawa canoe, a major population centre, a trading port and, at times, a battle-zone. However on 26th February the tiny seaside settlement will showcase the event which is fast making its mark on New Zealand’s calendar of events; The Maketu Rotary Kaimoana Festival.

Now in its fourth year the festival held on the Maketu Sports grounds from 12noon till 6pm, is a celebration of people, place and culture.

Seafood served will be in both traditional and contemporary styles with vendors vying to serve up the most fabulous variety of mussel, whitebait, paua, prawns, scallops, crabs, crayfish and oysters served natural, or as sushi, kebabs, pizza’s and chowders. These will be complemented by fine wines and beers which can also be purchased. Personal alcohol will not be allowed onto the venue.

The popularity of cooking demonstrations in previous years has meant that special emphasis will be placed on demonstrations by this year’s celebrity chefs Peter Blakeway and Virginia Iovine-Turner . Both local, Blakeway and Iovine-Turner have had much publicity in 2010 through book sales (Fresh by Peter Blakeaway) and Virginia’s several appearances on Television New Zealand’s Good Morning Programme.

Festival co-ordinator Julie Crossley says tickets are selling fast and the confirmation of Tina Cross and Taisha Tari (Wicked Wahine) leading the entertainment line up has raised the profile of the festival and is attracting an even wider audience than previous years. Tina Cross has said she always wanted to spend time in Maketu after hearing about the wonderful local hospitality and how visitors “are really treated to the Maketu Maori charm”. She also says she makes “a mean raw fish and mussel fritters” and is expecting the festivals culinary delights to be “up there”.

Other entertainment includes popular local band Left-hand Break, Peri Kohu who has become a regular at the festival, Azwiar, Urban Dance Crew, Te Puke pipe band, and the very popular Tauranga Samba drumming group who will keep the crowd entertained between acts.

Helicopter rides will enable participators to enjoy the spectacular Bay of Plenty vistas and local arts and crafts will also be on show and for sale. The public are encouraged to bring their own seats, picnic blankets and sun umbrella’s.

All proceeds are used to support local volunteer groups including the Fire Brigade, Surf Rescue, Coastguard, and Surf Life-Saving Club.

Maketu Rotary Kaimoana Festival

Saturday 26 February 12:00-6:00pm

Tickets: $25 Adult, 17 and Under $10, Under 5 Free Available from Ticket Direct or Paper Plus Te Puke, Tauranga, Rotorua, Whakatane, Opotiki

Further Information: www.maketukaimoana.co.nz

Or contact: Julie Crossley 07 5332387