New Awanui Day venue proves popular with thousands of people celebrating in Far North town

The Awanui Progressive and Taxpayers Association is behind the event and its aim was to make Awanui a hub of activity and a real destination for people traveling to Cape Reinga.

As well as cycling and entertainment, Awanui Day provided a great opportunity to showcase the arts, crafts and artisanal food producers of the Far North.

This year the venue has changed a bit, with everything set up in the Awanui Nature Reserve and play area so tamariki can play while the adults relax, enjoy the music, have a snack and check out the stalls, all in one place.

The change of venue caused some consternation, but feedback on the reserve was overwhelmingly in favor of the move.

Every resident of the Far North Northland Century in a conversation with, he highly appreciated the new venue, leaving the following comments: “Much better, much safer”; “an ideal place to gather with whānau and friends to enjoy the day”; “much safer than risking your life on the highway”; “You can sit and make some space here to drink kaya and chat with friends”; and “I was a little worried at first, but the nature reserve is the right place for it, so the whole family can enjoy it.”

Bill Subritzky of the Northland Ridershas been involved with the event for nearly three decades and said the new venue has received nothing but great reviews.

“The new venue was really a natural place to host a large event like this,” Subritzky said.

“There were some mixed feelings (about the changes) at first, but it’s been great and everyone seems to enjoy having a lot more space to move around, gather and enjoy the wonderful kayas and events we have.”

He said it’s a big risk because there’s so much going on near State Highway 1, with families and children having to venture across the road, that moving seems like a logical idea.

“It’s much better for families and children to have it all in one place on the reserve.”