Every year on 6 February, New Zealand marks the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi which took place in 1840. At that time representatives of the British Crown and more than 500 Māori chiefs signed what is often considered to be New Zealand’s founding document. The day was first officially commemorated in 1934, and it has been a public holiday since 1974.
The Treaty continues to live on as part of New Zealand’s past, present and future.
We’ve put together a list of events throughout the country to help you celebrate this important day in New Zealand’s history.
Northland:
Welcome to Waitangi Festival 2024 February 3-6.
On the 6 February the Treaty Grounds close its buildings for the day and the Grounds become the location for the Waitangi Day 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.
Auckland:
Waitangi @ Waititi February 6.
Te Whānau o Waipareira has announced that Waitangi @ Waititi will return on February 6.
The free whānau event will feature a full day of performances, food and craft stalls and something for the whole whānau!
Bay of Plenty:
Western Bay Museum invites the community to its Waitangi Day commemoration.
The event will begin at 6:30 am and more information can be found here.
Waikato:
Bring the family along to the Waikato Museum and join them in commemorating Waitangi Day with art, music, and free workshops on 6 February.
The event is free and will run from 10am to 5pm, to learn more click here.
Hawke’s Bay:
Two events are set to be a big draw for crowds on Waitangi Day in Hawke’s Bay and both will focus on the importance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and strengthening partnerships.
More information about these events can be found here.
Taranaki:
Waitara is hosting its annual Waitangi ki Whaitara Commemorations. It’s a day of remembrance, community kōrero, live entertainment, cultural performances and their free kidzone, temporary moko and moko kauae and youthzone activities, locally made delicious kai and fun in a relaxed atmosphere.
Click here to learn more about this event.
Wellington:
Wellington Council is proud to present a free, whānau-friendly event, to commemorate the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi) and Aotearoa New Zealand’s national day.
You can learn more about this event on their website.
Nelson:
Head to Whakatū Marae for a day packed with culture, art, and entertainment. Starting at 9am with a pōwhiri, a traditional Māori welcome that’s a feast for the senses, led by Ngāti Koata and friends from Te Tauihu o Te Waka-a-Māui.
Click here for more information.
Canterbury:
Kaiapoi Waitangi Day Family celebration – 10am to 2pm, Troussellot Park.
A fabulous day out in Kaiapoi for the whole family with so much to see and do to celebrate New Zealand’s history. Live music, Kapa Haka and other cultural performances, Sport Suzy Show, Kaiapoi High School Hangi. Tickets can be pre-purchased from the Kaiapoi i-site for $15 each (cash only. No eftpos is available). Market and food stalls, Bouncy castles, and more.
Otago:
Waitangi Day Whānau Festival at the Dunedin Octagon. Join them for celebrations to acknowledge our national day and our diverse community with kai and musical fun for the whole whānau.
Southland:
Te Anau Waitangi Charitable Trust, in partnership with Ngā Herenga Waka Kapa Haka, has curated this year’s Te Anau Waitangi Day Festival Week programme to acknowledge an important day in our nation’s history, Waitangi Day.
This festival will take place from February 1 -11.
Click here for more information.
An event is also taking place at Bluff Marae. Te Rūnaka o Awarua invites Ngāi Tahu whānau to commemorate Waitangi Day 2024 at Te Rau Aroha Marae in Motupōhue Bluff on February 6.
