Waitangi Day and Festival
Our Nation's Turangawaewae

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 an increasingly optimistic focus for debate on national identity and multiculturalism in New Zealand, and peaceful demonstrations and marches are accepted as part of the day's events. This cartoon (below right) by Tom Scott in the capital's Dominion Post summed up Waitangi Day 2005, and in 2006 the peaceful and positive nature of the commemorations continued with a record attendance of 46,571 people in happy mood.

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 three 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, although heavy rain restricted their activities. In 2008 a Naval Royal Guard of Honour further dignified the commemorations. Visiting waka further added to the feeling of a family gathering from across New Zealand.

In 2008, a record 46,612 people gathered on the Treaty Grounds in a positive, community atmosphere, in beautiful summer weather. On this day, admission charges to the grounds are always waived.  In 2009 Waitangi Day falls on a Friday and an even larger crowd can be expected to enjoy the friendly, fun, family atmosphere with an even greater range of entertainment, ceremony and culture.

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

Waitangi 2008 : Our Nation's Turangawaewae

Highlights included two free evening concerts leading up to Waitangi Day. Ray Woolf (Monday) and Northland reggae group "1814" (Tues) appeared on the Hobson's Beach stage.  World groove group Latitudes also appeared. Performances by the Band and Kapa Haka group of the Royal New Zealand Navy, a Top Team competition and afternoon sports featured in the programme. On the Grounds' permanent stage, and in the waka shelter, a non-stop line-up of performers entertained on 6th February.

Ceremonies on the day began with a reflective dawn karakia or prayer at 5am, followed by an inter-denominational church service at 10:30am. At noon the Navy fired a 21-gun salute from a canon on the Grounds.

Ferry and park-n-ride shuttles are used each year to bring visitors to Waitangi Day. Continuous, free shuttles operate 8.30am - 6pm.  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.

Traffic control restricts vehicles within the Treaty Grounds and all cars are directed to car parks

Waitangi National Trust would like to thank all the visitors, workers and the forces who made Waitangi Day 2009 such a memorable and peaceful day at the Nation's birthplace.  We would also like to thank members of the media for their professional contribution to a family-focussed and positive occasion.