In observance of the Whakaari Anniversary, Whakatāne District Council, Bay of Plenty Regional Council Kawerau District Council, Opotiki District Council and Tauranga City Council, have lowered flags at their offices today (Wednesday, 9 December).
Whakatāne District Council will halt between noon and 3 pm on Wednesday 9 December to enable staff to observe the commemoration service lead by Ngāti Awa. Customer Services staff will be available at a reduced level. Te Kōputu - Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre and Te Whare Taonga ō Taketake will be closed from noon to 3pm, as will the Whakatāne i-SITE.
Whakaari He Rā Whakamaumaharatanga - Whakaari Anniversary Event
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa, with the support of the Whakatāne District Council are facilitating public commemorations at Mataatua Reserve from 11.30am with National Primary School Kapa Haka Winners, Te Kura o Te Pāroa and Ngāti Awa Pakeke.
It will be followed with Māori Television's live remembrance service broadcast from Te Mānuka Tūtahi Marae in Whakatāne on to the big screen at Mataatua Reserve from 1 pm to 2.30 pm.