Award-winning artist set to wow crowds on Waitangi Day
Published on 09 December 2022
One of New Zealand’s most acclaimed singer-songwriters, Anna Coddington, is set to perform at Palmerston North’s 2023 Waitangi Day commemorations.
Anna, winner of the best Te Reo Māori Album at the 2022 Waiata Māori Music Awards, will be bringing a blend of pop, soulful, and indie acoustic sounds to the City as it highlights a significant day in New Zealand’s history.
Council’s Head of Events, Luke McIndoe, says Anna is well-known across the country for her incredible voice.
“Anna is part of the same entertainment group as big-timers L.A.B and the Black Seeds and has performed at some of New Zealand’s top music and arts festivals. We’re looking forward to bringing our community together to learn more about Waitangi Day and at the same time, showcase some of the best talent in the country.”
Anna, of Ngāti Tūwharetoa and Te Arawa, recently won the Best Te Reo Māori Album at the 2022 Waiata Māori Music Awards, which featured her new title track, Mana-Wā-Hine, alongside four tracks originally from her acclaimed album, Beams.
Māori music collective, IA, will also be taking the stage with their traditional Māori instruments. The Waikato band mix taonga pūoro with catchy electronic music as they endeavour to revive the culture behind it.
Mr McIndoe says these performers align well with the kaupapa of the day.
“The focus of the day will be getting our people to come together and gain a greater understanding of Waitangi Day, especially through the lens of our mana whenua.”
In partnership with Rangitāne o Manawatū, Council is organising an interactive day centred around education and storytelling, with kōrero about the partnership between iwi and council, and the highlighting of Rangitāne’s settlement. The second half of the day will see these artists take the stage and put on a show.
“You don’t need to go away for the long weekend. We’ll have all of the fun, entertainment and delicious kai you could possibly ask for. This will also be a chance for many us to learn more about Waitangi Day, so come together with your friends and whānau and spend the day with us.”