19 January 2024 - 0 Comments

Peter Garrett led Australian Rock band Midnight Oil from the 1970’s, producing 16 studio albums and many memorable live performances.

Lead singer Garrett and the Oils became known for their proactive stance on political activism especially on the rights of indigenous people and protection of the environment.

Garrett continued to campaign for change on these issues when he was elected to the Australian House of Representatives from 2004 to 2013.

He’s made many trips across the ditch to visit and perform in Aotearoa-New Zealand but his debut performance at Waitangi @ Waititi is shaping up to be a memorable one.

“Over three decades of music-making and activism, I’ve campaigned on indigenous issues and built relationships with indigenous people worldwide.

“So, the opportunity to play on such an important day for Māori, and at such a critical time, was something I jumped at."

Garrett will play at the free event at Parrs Parkin Glen Eden, next to Hoani Waititi Marae, where the first event was held in 2014. He will perform with his band the Alter Egos and he hopes people will enjoy the songs and live performance they’re preparing for Waitangi Day.

“Songs that celebrate our common humanity whilst calling out injustice have always been a part of Midnight Oils and my career. “I’m also bringing a cast of great Australian musos including Martin Rotsey from the Oils on guitar. It’s sounding sweet.”

He said every “Peter Garrett and the Alters” show is different and people can expect “a bit of everything”.

“We’ve got a new album coming in March this year, so fair to say we’ll be giving people a preview of a few of those songs too.” Garrett said the last time he performed in Aotearoa was in 2022 on the final Midnight Oil tour.

“But I have been coming over the ditch ever since the early 80's. Aotearoa has a great musical culture; people are super friendly and the natural beauty of the place always knocks me out.

“So playing music, as opposed to rugby, is a pleasure."

The Waitangi @ Waititi festival was created by Te Whānau O Waipareira Trust as an event where whānau could come together to celebrate Waitangi Day.

The trust decided to move this year’s event from Hoani Waititi Marae to neighbouring Parrs Park.

Event visitor numbers have been growing each year at the new venue will allow the trust to accommodate up to 50,000 people that are expected to stream into Parrs Park for the all-day event.

It will possibly be the largest Waitangi Day celebration in Aotearoa-New Zealand.

The day starts at 9:00am with a powhiri at the marae, allowing national and international guests to be hosted and welcomed.

Performers will entertain throughout the day, there will also be live performances from kapa haka and dance crews, as well as food and craft stall holders for families to enjoy.

The full performance line up for the event:

• Peter Garrett & the Alter Egos
• Katchafire
• Tiki Taane
• Sons of Zion
• The Black Seeds
• Tomorrow People
• Aaradhna
• Savage
• Kora
• IlumiNgati
• Cultural Groups
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• Check out more info on the Waitangi @ Waititi event here
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