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Wellington is set to celebrate New Zealand’s national day in style in 2010, with kapa haka and hangi, drumming and dance, eating and entertainment and multicultural markets.

Wellington City Council in partnership with the Wellington Tenths Trust will be organising the Waitangi Day Celebration — Te Rā o Waitangi at Waitangi Park. Featuring kapa haka, drumming, dance, multicultural acts, food and stalls, it promises to be a great day out for the whole family.

The celebration will be both a great way to spend your day off and also a fun way to learn more about what Waitangi Day means. Whether you want to kick back and enjoy the entertainment from music to martial arts, chat to a stallholder about what Waitangi Day means to them, or sample some food delicacies, it's all there for you.

There will be a three-dimensional display that shows the changes to New Zealand's population after the Treaty was signed in 1840. And you can take part in a drama or Māori pronunciation workshop, or watch a demonstration of taonga puoro (traditional Māori instruments) or raranga (weaving).

Let the many sounds of Wellington move you, taste a local treat from one of the inviting food stalls, wander through the unique market stalls and don't forget there’s lots of fun for the kids.

Tangata whenua will host the event but all cultures are welcome and many are celebrated. Multicultural acts will perform and delicacies from around the world will be available alongside hāngi.

Performances on the stage throughout the day include headline act Unity Pacific, fronted by the godfather of New Zealand reggae, Tigilau Ness. Hip hop, kapa haka and a number of other great bands and solo artists will also feature.

The ever-popular live music event, Radio Active 89FM's One Love, will also be returning on Waitangi Day. In its 13th year, One Love offers live dub, roots and reggae. Timed to celebrate the birthday of legendary reggae star, the late Bob Marley, the event runs from 11.30am to 6pm at Hataitai Velodrome.

Motorists are warned to expect traffic delays in the area, especially through the Mt Victoria tunnel, Ruahine Street and Wellington Road, until about 7.00pm. They are encouraged to take alternative routes when travelling to and from the Eastern Suburbs and the Airport. Drivers are also asked to keep an eye out for pedestrians in the area.

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