What’s On for Waitangi Day

This Friday, February 6th is Waitangi Day, when New Zealand marks the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. Despite controversy throughout the years, the treaty is still considered to be our founding document and Waitangi day is an opportunity to reflect on our nation as well as enjoy a well-loved public holiday. 

At the treaty grounds at Waitangi, debate still can turn to conflict as political and cultural debate continues, but for the vast majority of the New Zealand, it is a valuable day to spend celebrating this gorgeous country of ours.

Throughout the country, there are public events and celebrations planned, so if you have the opportunity, make the most of these and spend some time with friends and family. You may even like to borrow a tradition from the American Thanksgiving holiday and share with those around you what makes New Zealand special for you.

Below is a list of some of the events being held.

Waitangi Trust Estate

This year's official Waitangi Day festival spans three days of music, dance, food and ceremonies at the Treaty Grounds at Te Tii Marae, and across the Waitangi River bridge on the Trust estate. Free concerts on Monday and Tuesday nights will feature Ray Woolf and Northland Reggae group 1814, as well as performances by the Royal New Zealand Navy's band and Kapa Haka group.

Waitangi Day will begin with a dawn karakia (prayer) at 5am, followed by an inter-denominational church service at 10.30am. At noon the Navy will fire a 21-gun salute.

Wellington

Waitangi Park, 9.45am- 4pm.

A family day including kapa haka, drumming, dance, multicultural acts, food and stalls, organised by Wellington City Council and Tenths Trust. Acts include roots-reggae group Homefire Burning, Sam Manzanza and the Rhythm African Band, soul and R&B exponents M Town Classix, baritone Zane Jarvis, Cook Island drummers Maui Maui and soul singer Iva Lankum.

New this year is a Rangatahi (young people's) stage, which will showcase young talent such as 8-year-old Matiu Samuel, the world champion tap-dancer who blends hip hop into his dance moves.

Outdoor Cinema

Botanic Garden, 9pm.

How about some French cinema under the stars? Diva is the debut film of Jean-Jacques Beineix, best known for his legendary Betty Blue (1986). Diva is rated M and has English subtitles.

Orongomai Marae, Upper Hutt, 9.15am – 3pm.

Celebrate Waitangi Day with karanga, powhiri, mihimihi and hangi lunch. There will be a guest speaker on the Treaty at 1pm and performances by a range of artists and groups including Anita, Eru Kaiawha (Nga Toru Tena), Jade Eru, Samoan Catholic Youth Church, Fijian Youth Group,  Sri Lankan Association of New Zealand and Jewel of the Pacific.

Auckland

Waitangi Day Festival

Okahu Bay Domain, 8.45am

Be part of the first ever Waitangi Day Festival to be held at the magnificent Okahu Bay Domain, hosted by Ngati Whatua Orakei and Auckland City Council. At 9am yachts and waka arrive for a traditional welcoming ceremony (haka powhiri). There will be a hangi, seafood and traditional delicacies on offer for lunch, as well as kids rides, farm animals and Maori artwork. The main stage will host a musical line-up from 10.30am including House of Shem, Cornerstone Roots and Urban Beat. Organisers are aiming for a drug, alcohol and waste-free event.

Waitangi Day Family Celebration

Hayman Park, Manukau City, 10am -6pm

Celebrating whanau diversity will be the theme for the Auckland region's largest commemorative event, held at Manukau city's Hayman Park. Features an Atea ceremonial welcome, live music including Bunny Rugs of Jamaican reggae band Third World, Che Fu, and Brother Love, and a marketplace selling healthy kai, arts crafts and clothing. The Tamariki Zone offers a children's area with rides and activities.

Waitangi Day Concert In The Park

Parrs Park, Waitakere City, 1pm – 5pm

An outstanding line up of musical talent to launch this summer's series of free community concerts. Multi-Tui Award winner and APRA Silver Scroll winner Greg Johnson will perform all his hits plus more from his recent album. Supported by Waitakere's own songwriting talent Lucid 3 and West Auckland's favourite party man Jordan Luck.

Palmerston North

The Square, 10am – 5pm.

The Square will be jam-packed this Waitangi Day, as Adeaze takes to the main stage along with many local bands and cultural performances. There will also be children's entertainment, food stalls and arts and crafts.

New Plymouth

Puke Ariki Landing, 12pm-4pm

Celebrations will be held on Puke Ariki Landing, with people gathering at the Wind Wand for a dawn ceremony at 6am. There will be live music, food and craft stalls, free children's activities, gallery tours and free treaty education.

Kaiapoi

Waimakariri Waitangi Day Celebrations

Kaiapoi Information Centre, 10.30am – 3.30pm. 

A community event featuring live entertainment, food stalls, treaty information and waka paddling.

Tokoroa

The Raukawa Wild Food and Music Festival: Last Summer Fling

Tokoroa Youth Park, 10am – 9pm

A family festival day to commemorate Waitangi Day, nationhood and celebrate the role of tangata whenua in the wider community. Live entertainment including local kapa haka and SPACIFIX and hosted by Te Hamua Nikora and his karaoke haati naati party.

Patea

Pae Pae in the Park

Patea Memorial Park, 9.30am – 5pm

A music festival with national and local talent on display, including hip hip and country and western. Also food and craft stalls.

Dunedin

The Octagon, 12pm

Celebrate Waitangi Day with a programme of Maori and Tauiwi performing artists featuring hip-hop, reggae, poetry, break-dance, R&B, soul and traditional and contemporary Maori and Pacific sounds.