Waitangi Day Schedule of Events

The Waitangi National Trust has released a confirmed timetable of events and arrangements which take account of potential further growth in numbers this Waitangi Day.

 

The traditional dawn karakia has been moved outdoors to the lawns in front of the whare runanga, the carved meeting house, and will be held at 5am. We ask that the contemplative and peaceful mood is respected by all in this new setting.

 

5.00amDawn Karakia in front of Whare Runanga
9.00amWaka Karakia at Te Tii Beach
10.00amSports Ground Events/Children’s Activities
10.30amInterdenominational service, Waka Korowai
12.00pm21 Gun Salute, flagpole - Royal NZ Navy
12.00pmEntertainment Hobson’s Beach stage
5.00pmWaka ki Uta – Housing of Waka
(Hobson Beach – subject to change / sea conditions)
5.30pmBeat Retreat, Sunset ceremony, Lowering of flag
(Treaty Grounds) - Royal NZ Navy
6.30pmWhirimako Black in concert Hobson’s Beach

NOTE: Free parking is also provided on the estate for the free concert on 5th February at 6:30pm by Ray Woolf and the Rodger Fox Big Band.  (Celtic folk group Sula will be the opening act- so be early for their 5:30pm kick-off!)

Traffic management

All road traffic onto the grounds will cease at 11am, as the bridge becomes entirely dedicated to pedestrian access.

Alternative parking is provided at the secure carpark at the corner of Puketona and Haruru Falls Roads, near Watea. From there, an increased and continuous shuttle service will run to the Treaty Grounds via Haruru Falls Road.

For further information on parking and ferry information, see traffic management.

Intending Whirimako Black concertgoers are advised to fetch their vehicles from Haruru Falls during the latter part of the afternoon to avoid creating queues for the last few shuttles, and to bring them closer to the Treaty Grounds for the evening, which has become a popular picnic occasion.  The bridge will be opened up and free parking will be available on a first-come first-served basis around 5pm when numbers on the estate have usually eased.

 

For more background information on Waitangi Day, visit www.nzhistory.net.nz/Gallery/treaty/.