For three weeks this midsummer, New Zealand will be coming to the heart of historic London as part of the City of London Festival.

An annual celebration of the arts, the Festival animates the City’s unique buildings and outdoor spaces with an extensive programme of music, dance, visual arts, walks and talks. In recent years the Trading Places theme has reinforced the City’s cultural and commercial links with its historic partners overseas. The 2011 Festival will celebrate the arts and culture of New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands.

New Zealanders are still reeling from the catastrophic earthquake which struck Christchurch on February 22nd. Out of the tragedy has come a fierce resolution to unite and look forward to the future. In that spirit, it becomes even more important to ensure that the New Zealand aspects of this year’s Festival are able to proceed as a demonstration of Kiwi pride and resilience.

In a dramatic entry to the City on Friday 1 July, a Maori waka will make its way up the River Thames from Tower Pier to Blackfriars, as part of a substantial New Zealand programme of artistic work and cultural activities.

New Zealand based Toi Maori will join forces with London Maori Cultural Group Ngati Ranana to crew the waka, a ceremonial war canoe, which will be displayed in Paternoster Square that afternoon following a traditional Maori welcome.

Please make sure the waka can journey up the Thames this summer and that all New Zealand’s performers can stand proud in the City of London. Get on board the waka to ensure the Festival’s New Zealand programme.

There are different ways in which you can support this appeal:

• sponsor a paddle from £50
• sponsor a berth from £100
• sponsor a Kaihoe (crew member) from £250
• sponsor the Kaihautu (captain) from £500

Donations from £100+ will be acknowledged in the Festival’s 2011 souvenir programme which is handed out to all ticket-buying audience members and participants.

All donations are welcome, whether they are big or small.
GET ON BOARD!

For more information about this scheme please contact Suzanne van Even on 020 7583 3585 or email Suzanne.vaneven@colf.org.