Kapa haka, dance, music and food all part of Waitangi Day celebrations

Paddlers, from left, Mowaiva Pou, Aaria Toki, Angela Behran-Kitto and Hariata Korowai check how the photo taken by English visitor Robin Cooter at Waitangi Day last year. PHOTO/JOHN STONE

Kapa haka, music, dance, a lot of food and activities for children can be expected at this year's Waitangi Day celebrations.

While politicians and the Anti-P hikoi will be the focus of Sunday's events Monday - Waitangi Day - will be filled with kapa haka, Cook Island dance, music, the annual waka fleet and more.

To help you plan your day in Waitangi, here's what's happening on Sunday and Monday.

Sunday

10am to 1pm: Rosewood play colonial and European music on authentic instruments in the Treaty House courtyard. Be transported back in time with music from the past.

10am to 2pm: Creative Fibre Group textile crafts demonstrations in Treaty House courtyard.
The Kerikeri Creative Fibre Group will be demonstrating their skills. Crafts include spinning, spindle spinning, weaving, felting, tapestry and knitting.

4.45 to 5.15pm: Royal NZ Navy Beat Retreat at the Treaty Grounds flagpole. Navy band concert and marching followed by the lowering of the flag.

Monday - Waitangi Day (free entry to Treaty Grounds)

Upper Treaty Grounds

5am: Dawn Service at the carved Meeting House.

10am: Interdenominational Church service at the carved Meeting House.

11.30am: Royal NZ Navy kapa haka performance at the flagstaff. Royal NZ Navy Big Band performance at the flagstaff.

12pm: Royal NZ Navy 21-gun salute at the flagstaff.

12.30pm: Entertainment programme starts at the Main Stage. Acts include:
DDF Dance Crew, Hatea Kapa Haka, Cook Island Dance Group, Piriwiritua Ratana Marching Band, Nga Uri o Rahiri kapa haka, Te Huaki Puanaki, Koko Jamaz, Fat32.

5pm: Entertainment at the main stage finishes.

5pm to 5.30pm: Royal NZ Navy Beat Retreat at the Treaty Grounds flagpole. Navy band concert and marching followed by the lowering of the flag.

Waka stage

10am to 4pm: Market stalls (art, craft and food) will be spread around the waka shelter.

12pm to 4pm: Various entertainment at the waka stage.

All day: About 20 waka will be on the water throughout the day. The world's largest ceremonial canoe, Ngatokimatawhaorua, will make an appearance as well (weather dependant).

Sports Field Area (opposite the Treaty Grounds)

9am to 3pm: Health and social service providers promoting Whanau Ora, Whanau Rangatiratanga and Ngati Hine FM has a full programme of activities and entertainment from the stage.

10am to 4pm: Children's activities on the Waitangi sports field includes bouncy castles with various other fun rides and activities.

10am to 4pm: Market stalls (art, craft and food) will be spread out around the waka shelter area and the sports field opposite the Treaty Grounds.