A first of its kind Waitangi Day celebration will take place in Papamoa Beach tomorrow.

The Tauranga Maori Business Association is hosting a Community Fair from 11am to 5pm at 1 Papamoa Beach Road at Coast Papamoa Beach development to celebrate the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.

Gold coin entry for the fair will go towards Papamoa Surf Lifesaving Club.

'The association supports the idea of Waitangi Day as a celebration in which all New Zealanders can participate,” says association chief executive Buddy Mikaere.

'For that reason, the theme of the Community Fair is taken from the words spoken by Governor Hobson at the signing 173 years ago: He iwi kotahi – One.”

The fair will begin at 11am and feature stalls selling a variety of items and services, as well as food stands and entertainment from local bands and dance groups.

A talent show at the fair will include Left Hand Break, the Kouger Sisters, Spirit of Prophecy and Cicada Circus. Dance troupes from Urban Dance and Zumba Tauranga will be on stage, as well local kapa haka group Te Whanau Mai Tawhiti.

'In the spirit of the Treaty, the Association has formed a partnership with the local Papamoa Surf Life Saving Club. The gold coin koha entry charge to the fair will be a contribution towards the club.

'I am also grateful to local businesses that have supported this new initiative for Tauranga, Mount Maunganui and Papamoa.”

The land for the fair has been made available by Coast Papamoa Beach development.

Te Runanga O Ngaiterangi Iwi Trust has given its large marquee, stage equipment, portable offices and assistance with expenses.

'Local consulting firm Aurecon, electricity transmission company Powerco, and Tauranga-based electricity generator TrustPower have all made major contributions, while Moana Radio has provided radio advertising.”

To Buddy's knowledge this is the first time that something of this nature has been arranged for Waitangi Day.

'This 2013 event is in many ways a learning experience to see how this might fit into community activities on New Zealand's national day. If it is as successful as we think it will be, then we will look forward to making it an annual event.”

'Bring sun block, a hat and something to sit on.”