Waitangi Day and Festival

On the public holiday of 6th February each year, New Zealanders of all ethnic backgrounds and creeds gather to commemorate the first signing of the Treaty at Waitangi in 1840. Waitangi Day is a generally optimistic focus for debate on national identity and multiculturalism in New Zealand, and at the Treaty Grounds a peaceful family-oriented celebration prevails. This cartoon (below right) by Tom Scott in the capital's Dominion Post summed up Waitangi Day 2005.

Waitangi National Trust management works actively with the community to ensure pride in New Zealand's national day grows in the hearts of all New Zealanders.

The highest profile events unfold at Waitangi, both off the Treaty Grounds at Te Tii Marae, and across the Waitangi River bridge on the actual Trust estate. An official government schedule of activities is published in advance.

In recent years, a family festival of sport and culture during the days prior has set the tone for ever more celebratory events. The festival this year extended over four days of games, ceremony, music and fun.

Waitangi Day itself has always involved performance and parade from the Royal New Zealand Navy and local cultural groups. A highlight in 2007 was the return of a Naval Guard of Honour. In 2008 a Naval Royal Guard of Honour further dignified the commemorations and in 2009 the Navy had its greatest presence in ten years. This year 19 visiting waka further added to the feeling of a family gathering from across New Zealand.

Attendance at the celebrations now generally exceeds 30,000 and may climb well over 40,000. People gathe on the Treaty Grounds in a positive, community atmosphere, usually in beautiful summer weather. On this day, admission charges to the grounds for all visitors are waived.

More background information on Waitangi Day can be found at NZHistory.net.nz.

Waitangi 2009 highlights

Three free evening concerts drew thousands to the Hobson's Beach stage. Ray Woolf and Rodger Fox played as The Fox and the Woolf on Wednesday 4th February. On Thursday 5th the crowd enjoyed soul, jazz and blues from recording artist Whirimako Black, then Northland reggae group "1814". Waitangi Day iteself ended with The Lady Killers, Suzanne Lynch, Tina Cross, Jackie Clarke and Taisha singing up a storm!

Performances by the Band and Kapa Haka group of the Royal New Zealand Navy, a Top Team competition and a full Thursday of sports also featured in the programme. On the Grounds' permanent stage near the waka shelter, and in the courtyard of the Treaty House, a non-stop line-up of performers entertained on 6th February, and music continued during Saturday 7th February.

Ceremonies on the day itself began with an estimated 1500 gathered for the reflective dawn karakia or prayer at 5am, followed by an inter-denominational church service mid morning. At noon the Navy fired a 21-gun salute from HMNS Canterbury and paraded a Royal Guard of Honour. The day's formal events concluded with Beat Retreat at Ceremonial Sunset on the main Treaty Grounds lawn.

Ferry and park-n-ride shuttles are used to bring visitors to Waitangi Day as parking is limited on the Treaty Grounds side of the Waitangi Bridge. Continuous, free shuttles operate from the signposted Haruru Falls carpark from 8.30am.  The Fullers scheduled ferries travelling from Paihia to Russell (one direction only) call into the Waitangi covered jetty from 8.30am for the usual fare.

Community and retail stalls

Community groups and businesses wishing to apply for permission to set up a Waitangi Day stall next year should contact the Trust early. The fee is $100 per stall although approved community groups should discuss their eligibility for relief. Acceptance is strictly at the discretion of the Waitangi National Trust. Email : enterprise@waitangi.net.nz

Updated May 6th, 2009