Virtual Waitangi Day to air on TV3, iwi radio as live commemorations cancelled

The virtual Waitangi Day commemorations were filmed at the Treaty Grounds on January 21-22. Photo / Waitangi National Trust

A virtual version of Waitangi Day commemorations at the Treaty Grounds will be broadcast on TV3 and the iwi radio network in place of the real thing.

Two events and a number of interviews were pre-recorded at the Treaty Grounds on January 21-22, with more political leaders and dignitaries to be filmed in Auckland and Wellington in the coming week.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was in Waitangi last Friday to record her speech.

The Waitangi Day 2022 programme will air on TV3 from 7-10am on February 6 with an interview and address to the nation by Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro from 4.30-5pm.

In December the Waitangi National Trust cancelled its planned 2022 Waitangi Day festivities and this week decided to close the Treaty Grounds entirely on February 6, due to the 100-person gathering limit in the red light setting and concerns about the spread of Omicron.

The annual commemorations normally attract more than 30,000 people.

Trust chairman Pita Tipene said he was pleased some of the special activities normally held in person where Te Tiriti o Waitangi was first signed could still be observed, albeit virtually.

"We are creating a virtual Waitangi Day, honouring the promise of Waitangi to the nation and encouraging all New Zealanders to continue conversations and debate about Te Tiriti and our nationhood, especially with the bicentennial being only 18 years away.''

Discussions with national broadcasters and Te Hiku Media had resulted in a partnership with TV3 broadcasting a three-hour programme on the morning of February 6, and Te Hiku making footage available to the iwi radio network and other broadcasters.

A three-day programme of Waitangi Day events will go ahead at Te Tii Marae but with Covid precautions in place.