Eyes of the nation on Far North for Waitangi Day commemorations

Waka are welcomed to Te Tii Bay for the Waitangi Day ceremonies in the Bay of Islands. This year’s commemorations will attract tens of thousands

The eyes of the nation are on the Far North this week as tens of thousands commemorate Waitangi Day in the Bay of Islands.

Thursday’s Bay of Islands event will mark the 185th annual Waitangi Day commemorations.

Two days out, the forecast is for fine weather in coming days with highs of 26C and plenty of sun.

And while the events are family friendly, with the backdrop of the divisive Treaty Principles Bill - promoted by Act’s David Seymour — there is also expected to be robust debate.

Seymour had been asked by his iwi not to attend Waitangi this year, given the anger over the bill, but will turn up to support his stance.

In a letter to Seymour also sent to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and NZ First leader Winston Peters, Te Runanga o Ngati Rehia chairman William “Kipa” Munro said the bill has been highly contentious, divisive and was seen by many as a breach of Te Tiriti o Waitangi itself.

“Your hapu have supported your attendance at Waitangi in the past but, with respect, our advice this year is that while this bill is still being progressed and you are still actively supporting it, we do not believe it would be an appropriate decision to attend Waitangi,” the letter said.

Waitangi Day is when people of all communities and backgrounds gather at Waitangi to commemorate the first signing of New Zealand’s founding document: Te Tiriti o Waitangi, The Treaty of Waitangi, on February 6, 1840.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will not attend commemorations this year.

The majority of the events will be at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds where politicians and dignitaries will mix with everyday folk celebrating the national day.

Ongoing recognition of the Treaty as the nation’s founding document will continue to keep this celebration alive, as the Treaty continues to live as part of New Zealand’s past, present and future. On Thursday, the Treaty Grounds will close for the day as the grounds host the festival. The free festival at the Treaty Grounds starts at 5am with a dawn service in Te Whare Rūnanga.

All-day entertainment creates a fun, festival atmosphere, with performance stages on the Upper Treaty Grounds, at the Te Korowai ō Maikuku and on the sports field opposite the Treaty Grounds. More than 150 market stalls offer an amazing array of art and crafts, clothing and a wide variety of food options. Children’s activities include bouncy castles, kids racing cars and sports games.

For all the Waitangi Day commemoration events in the Bay go to: waitangi.org.nz/whats-on/waitangi-day

Five Northland heritage destinations cared for by Heritage NZ Pouhere Taonga will be free to the public on Waitangi Day, including the Kerikeri Mission Station; Clendon House in Rawene; Māngungu Mission in Horeke; Pompallier Mission in Kororāreka/Russell and Te Waimate Mission in Waimate North.

This Waitangi Day, step into the stories of Aotearoa New Zealand’s past with a nationwide open day across 18 unique heritage destinations. These special places will open their doors for free, inviting all New Zealanders to connect with the people, events, and stories that have shaped our nation’s journey to the present.