3 Feb 2012

No official Waitangi festival for Auckland hapu

8:33 pm on 3 February 2012

Auckland's largest hapu won't be holding its annual Waitangi Day festival at Okahu Bay.

Ngati Whatua o Orakei says its commitment to the Rugby World Cup has absorbed a lot of energy and sponsorship funding.

The sub-tribe is instead considering plans for an official celebration next month.

However, a Ngati Whatua member, Louise Te Aroha Simpson, says she's organising a free event at Okahu Bay on Monday - with music all day and entertainment for tamariki.