The unveiling of the new Kaiapoi flag will kick off the town’s annual Waitangi Day celebrations on Monday February 6.

This year’s event provides an appropriate backdrop for its introduction after a competition was held at last year’s celebration to promote the concept of a flag for the town.

The then Kaiapoi Community Board drew on the results of the competition to finalise the flag’s design and introduction to the community. As always, Kaiapoi’s popular Waitangi Day celebrations will have a strong family focus, with organisers encouraging parents to get along for a day out with their children.

The programme will include pony rides for children and Devonshire teas for the adults, during a day of activity that will run between 10am and 2pm in Trousselot Park.

The continued growth of the annual celebration is highlighted by the expansion of the number of food and craft stalls that will be on-site. Eighteen stalls will offer goods ranging from jewellery, face painting, candles and a photo booth, to gourmet burgers, ice creams and the delicious produce of the Kaiapoi Community Garden.

The day, run by community group You Me We Us, provides the opportunity for Kaiapoi High School’s 2017 head students to introduce themselves to the community.

The head boy, Sam McCartin and head girl, Kris Giles will each give a short speech, while the lunchtime hangi will act as a fundraiser for the school’s kapahaka group.

Tickets for the hangi can be purchased for $10 from Kaiapoi I-site or you can try you luck on the day.

Fresh from a prize-winning performance at the Blenheim Country Music Awards, Sharon Russell heads the line-up of local musicians, while Kaiapoi’s very own comedian, Sport Suzy, will also be on-hand to entertain.

If you like dressing up in period costume, the Corcoran French Lawyers Costume Competition will once again be judged at midday, with entries taken up to 12 midday. For those who like to be puzzled, the Waitangi Day Quiz will take entrants round the Town Centre looking for answers.

The first five entries selected from the completed entry forms will win prizes. Entry forms will be available on the day.  

Kapahaka groups from Kaiapoi Borough, Kaiapoi North, St Patrick’s Schools and the high school will perform waiata and haka, while attendees will be encouraged to join in when the day closes with a community singing of the iconic Maori song Poi E at the end of festivities.

Organisers would like to thank all of those who have contributed to the on-going success of the annual celebration.

Fingers are crossed for fine weather on the day and a big crowd.

In the case of bad weather, cancellation notices will be posted on the You Me We Us Facebook page, as well as on Council’s Facebook page and website.