April 26, 2013
Sharples flies kite for China links
Māori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples is hoping there won’t be rain to dampen the dragon’s fire at tomorrow’s first Taniwha and Dragon Festival at Orakei Marae.
A forty-person dragon will be welcomed on to the marae at 10 along with Chinese business and community leaders, including Gisborne’s Māori-speaking Chinese mayor Meng Foon and the head of Shanghai Pengxin, the new owner of the Crafar farms.
Dr Sharples says the festival should strike a balance of formalities and fun.
Visitors at the festival should also be able to observe the long distance waka ama national championships, which the Orakei club is hosting.
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