Creek readies itself for day of healthy fun

BY ESTHER LAUAKI

Thousands are gearing up to transform a lifetime of unhealthy habits at this weekend's Creekfest.

As Porirua's largest annual health festival, Creekfest aims to bring health providers and promotion groups together at Cannons Creek Park for a day of music, sports and entertainment.

Event organiser Liz Kelly said this year was going to be awesome.

A host of new activities will be available including traditional Maori games, an inflatable obstacle course, a police training course challenge and a "Creek it up" dance competition.

Ms Kelly said football games have also been organised in a bid to draw a more diverse sports crowd.

"We want to encourage the northern suburbs [of Porirua] participation.

"We want to show off and let people have a positive experience in eastern Porirua."

Last month organisers were faced with a $50,000 funding shortfall, but Ms Kelly said local businesses had "come to the party" in a big way.

"Creekfest would not be happening if not for the new money that has come in from them."

Musicians Scribe, Iva Lamkum, Ben Makisi and Box Juice are to perform, as will local favourites the Mita Family Singers, Justice, and Mission Choir.

Creekfest celebrates its third year of being "smoke and fizzy-drink free".

Healthy foods will be on offer at many of the 120 stalls.

However, Ms Kelly said Pacific staples, such as steamed pork buns, would still be available.

With plans on track for a successful event, Ms Kelly said all that was left to do was to "pray for fine weather because there is no Plan B".

- Kapi-Mana News