Fine weather is expected to match a calmer atmosphere than in the past few years for 2026’s Waitangi Day commemorations in Northland.
Waitangi and the wider Bay of Islands have already been busy in the lead-up to Friday, as the nation turns its focus north.
But with the contentious Treaty Principles Bill now a thing of the past, the atmosphere at Waitangi is a lot more relaxed than in previous years, Northland’s National MP Grant McCallum, said.
“There’s always going to be some very frank discussions but that’s part of Waitangi, part of the deal. Overall, the mood seems reasonable,” he said on Wednesday.
In 2024, a record 60,000 people attended Waitangi Day commemorations at Waitangi, with numbers bolstered by a hīkoi, Toitū te Tiriti, standing up for Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
In 2025, numbers were not as high and the focus turned elsewhere as Prime Minister Christopher Luxon marked Waitangi Day in Canterbury.
This year, Luxon attended the Iwi Chairs Forum on Wednesday and is expected to take part in the Government pōwhiri on Thursday, although he will attend commemorations in Auckland on Friday.
One Northland iwi leader, Ngātiwai chairman Aperahama Edwards, said it was good for politicians and iwi leaders to meet at the Iwi Chairs Forum, even if the conversations were difficult.
Edwards recently met with Luxon to discuss the impact of flooding in his rohe (region) and discussions continue about how Government can support the people to lead their own recovery, he said.
The atmosphere at Waitangi is one of optimism, Edwards said.
“There’s still a lot of pain – our people are hurting and we’re mindful of that – but also there’s calm and optimism.“
Green MP and local leader Hūhana Lyndon said unity is a theme at Waitangi this year – with both Northland iwi working together well and nationwide iwi galvanising together.
Lyndon said she was surprised at the size of this year’s Iwi Leaders Forum, boosted by South Island iwi Ngāi Tahu, who attended as a show of unity with Northland tribes.
Police operations for Waitangi Day are underway after months of preparation with the Waitangi National Trust and iwi partners, Northland district commander Superintendent Matt Srhoj said.
“Police have a strong partnership with the Waitangi National Trust, working to ensure the public are safe and enjoy the Waitangi celebrations.”
As with previous years, extra police officers have come up to Northland for the event but Srhoj refused to detail how many.
He urged anyone travelling to Waitangi for Friday to plan ahead, with large numbers and potential traffic jams expected.
Motorists are also reminded to wear seatbelts, drive to the conditions and follow the speed limits so everyone can enjoy the festivities.
Free shuttle buses are being run from Haruru to Waitangi to help reduce traffic.
Meanwhile, dusty queues of traffic trying to access the Waitangi Treaty Grounds will be eliminated this year with the sealing of the Haruru Falls Rd, which is the main vehicle entrance, due to Waitangi’s one-way bridge being closed to cars.
The 3.7km metal road has been sealed, thanks to a $1.57 million grant from the Regional Infrastructure Fund and $400,000 from Far North District Council.
It was officially opened by Regional Development Minister Shane Jones, Far North Mayor Moko Tepania, iwi leaders and trustees of the Waitangi National Trust on Tuesday morning.
The Treaty Grounds are also undergoing an upgrade with a $10.2m grant from the Regional Infrastructure Fund, which includes drainage to protect historic buildings from water damage and installing infrastructure, such as new toilets. It is expected to be complete by the end of the year.
Accommodation providers around the Bay of Islands are already so full they are taking bookings for next year’s Waitangi Day.
Shane Maddren from Russell-Orongo Bay Holiday Park said it seems every year, more people want to experience Waitangi Day at Waitangi for themselves.
His guests include a church group from Christchurch.
Bay of Islands Holiday Park in Paihia is helping accommodate the Navy and school groups.
But Grace Patterson said there are still tent sites available for Saturday and Sunday, as people tend to wait to see the weather forecast before booking.
Settled and fine weather on Waitangi Day is expected for the Bay of Islands, and most of Northland, MetService meteorologist Katie Lyons said.
There will be a southwest flow around the region, with the chance of a shower but they should miss the more sheltered east coast, she said on Wednesday.
“Overall, there are plenty of sunny spells, bits of passing cloud, with the chance of a shower but nothing that will ruin a great day.”
Lyons said those attending the dawn ceremony should expect a cool 15C in the morning but the day will warm up to 24C, so wearing layers will be key.
Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.