"It's wonderful to see the growing number of new New Zealanders and migrant workers coming along to celebrate our national day with us. They are sharing their food, dances and joining the sports activities too."
The purpose of the day is to commemorate the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi between Ngati Kahungunu chiefs and the crown on June 24, 1840, on board HMS Herald, anchored off the Tukituki River in East Clive.
An opening ceremony to mark Waitangi Day will officially start the occasion at 10am, followed by sports tournaments and entertainment, most notably by 10 piece reggae ensemble Three Houses Down.
Tipene harmer, Rezpect Dance Academy, The Rude Boyz, Jharmony, kapa haka groups and hip hop dancers are all also on the play list.
"It's great to showcase so many talented Kiwis on our national day. We're also delighted to bring on board, for the first time, New Zealand's iconic Mahons Family Amusements. The iwi will be providing free thrill rides for kiddies all day," Mr Tomoana said.
The third 'Bite of the Bay' will also make an appearance, with more than 30 traders and exhibitors preparing food for all.
The Clive Festival is also set to make a return after being cancelled last year due to the death of long-time committee member Lily Baker and a neck injury to Jim Edwards.
A memorial stone commemorating the signing of the treaty by two prominent chiefs will be laid at 8.30am, to coincide with the arrival of the hikoi, led by Hastings councillor Henare O'keefe and Hawke's Bay Regional Council chairman Rex Graham, which this year is following the path from Waitangi Park to Clive.
Both festivals are supported by Hastings District Council, and Hastings mayor Lawrence Yule will make an appearance at both commemorations.
Following the placement of the memorial stone, the action will move to the riverbank by Farndon Park where there will be a pageant depicting the arrival of the first European settlers escorted by tangata whenua.
Entertainment will be provided by Bert Hura, Raymond Solomon, Ni Keefe, Mike Savage, the Batacuda Brazilian Drummers, and the band No Wurez, and free rides on the merry-go-round, train, mini cars and a bouncy castle will be available to children.
This year, Waitangi Day is the first stage of the inaugural Kahungunu Festival, which will continue through to Te Matatini - the world's largest kapa haka festival. It will take place from February 22-26 and is expected to attract 20,000 visitors to the region.