February 02, 2024
Te Whānau o Waipareira acquire reo Māori rights to Beds Are Burning
The countdown is on to the biggest Waitangi celebration in Tāmaki Makaurau with an award-winning international artist performing their biggest hit in Te Reo Māori, at Parrs Park in Glen Eden, February 6, 2024.
Australian legend and frontman for Midnight Oil, Peter Garrett jumped at the chance to headline Waitangi @ Waititi next week.
“The opportunity to perform on such an important day for Māori, and at such a critical time was something I jumped at. Over three decades of music-making and activism, I’ve campaigned on indigenous issues and built relationships with indigenous people worldwide”.
Garrett will be singing the hit “Beds Are Burning” in te reo after Te Whānau o Waipareira acquired the rights in May 2022, and CEO John Tamihere said it will resonate throughout the crowd of thousands.
“It was a no brainer to buy the rights to such a pivotal song about the undoing of indigenous people, and to have it performed live in our native tongue on this important day will be formidable. To have Peter Garrett embracing our culture with us on Waitangi Day will be pretty unforgettable”.
With two massive stages the rest of the line-up is an all kiwi affair including The Black Seeds, Tiki Taane, Aaradhna, Savage, Katchafire, Kora and Sons of Zion.
Sam Eriwata from Sons of Zion said he and the boys are looking forward to it.
“We’re excited to be in the line-up so be there on February 6 whānau. Come one, come all, young and old. It’s going to be a great day so see you soon”.
Waitangi @ Waititi is a smokefree, alcohol free, whānau friendly free concert that starts at 9:00 AM on February 6 with karakia and will continue throughout the day until 5:00 PM. There is also a large Kids Zone, interactive Treaty of Waitangi educational space and dozens of local kai and craft stalls.
END