Waitangi Day 2011 is set to be filled with colourful events around the country thanks to community funding made available through the Ministry for Culture and Heritage.
The Commemorating Waitangi Day Fund supports events that celebrate New Zealand’s identity by commemorating the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi at a community level. Applications are now being accepted from groups wanting to host local Waitangi Day celebrations.
Last year The Commemorating Waitangi Day Fund gave communities the chance to host kai festivals, marae open days, workshops, and public performances, helping to build ties between local and national celebrations.
The Ministry for Culture and Heritage says that while the grants given in previous years were relatively small, averaging about $3,000, they made possible a wide range of activities that created positive experiences for people on Waitangi Day.
Projects run in partnership between local authorities, community groups and tangata whenua are particularly encouraged.
Applications for funding must be received by 5pm on 17 September 2010. The fund is administered by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, PO Box 5364, Wellington. More information is available on the Ministry’s website www.mch.govt.nz, by emailing [email protected] or by calling 04 499 4229.