Waitangi Day Festival in Wairoa wins Govt funding

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Government funding will go towards helping people in Wairoa commemorate Waitangi Day on  Tuesday.

Wairoa’s Waitangi Day Festival takes centre stage in the heart of town at Manukanui Green overlooking the Wairoa River.

“This much-loved community event celebrates what it means to call Wairoa and Aotearoa New Zealand home,” said a Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage statement.

“This year’s commemoration of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi is especially significant as Wairoa marks one year since the devastation of Cyclone Gabrielle.

“The importance of partnership is central to the festival theme Tātau Tātau for 2024, as the community acknowledges the recovery success that is based on many different people and organisations working together to rebuild the community.”

The event takes place from 10am to 2pm at Wairoa Library Green, Marine Parade and promises kai stalls, Te Tiriti kōrero and bouncy castles.

It received $1000 from the Commemorating Waitangi Day Fund, administered by Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage.

“Each year the Government supports opportunities for communities all over New Zealand to take part in Waitangi Day events,  from Northland to Otago,” Manatū Taonga chief executive Leauanae Laulu Mac Leauanae said.

“Waitangi Day is a time to reflect on the founding document that affects all people who choose to call New Zealand home and reminds us to think about our future together. These funded events will not only bring people together on Waitangi Day, but they will also highlight local histories and recognise the relationship between the Crown and Māori.

“The fund supports a free public commemoration at Kawatea Okains Bay in Canterbury, jointly hosted by Te Rūnanga o Koukourarata and Okains Bay Museum, to celebrate our bicultural heritage. A Ngāti Huikai-led pōwhiri will open the event which includes museum exhibits, heritage displays and entertainment for children.

Funding was provided to 35 different community events across the country to commemorate Waitangi Day in 2024.