Fun family tradition at Waitangi

The Gotz family of Jackson (left), Daniel, Rachael and Jorja got up early to catch 4.30am ferry from Russell to Paihia.

New Zealand came together as one last Friday to celebrate Waitangi Day, and for a Whangarei family it was once again an "awesome whanau-oriented experience" and a tribute to what being a New Zealander means.

The Gotz family rose early on Friday to take the 4.30am ferry from Russell to Paihia, and as soon as they arrived Rachael could "feel the buzz that was Waitangi Day 2015".

After breakfast at the Whare Waka, they went to see one of the main events of the day, which was the waka on the water. Rachael Gotz, 36, said that "the bridge was bursting at the seams with people who had the same idea as us".

After watching the waka, the Gotz family made their way back to the Treaty Grounds where stalls were set up, but Rachael and her husband, Daniel, were stopped and interviewed for Maori Television.

Rachael was asked what drew them to Waitangi this year, and she replied that it was tradition for her family but, this year, her colleagues at Manaia Health Care had decided to make the journey to Waitangi to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Treaty signing.

Daniel was questioned about the vibe at Waitangi, and he said "the atmosphere is wonderful, it's so great to see all the kids running around everywhere on our national day".

They then headed to the "amazing array of smells coming from the kai stalls and checking out the arts and crafts".

Jorja, 11, said that "there was lots of food, games and people everywhere" but she and brother Jackson's favourite event was the live performances on stage, including music, dance and kapa haka.

And after being part of Waitangi Day, Jorja and Jackson "feel proud to be Kiwi" and excited about the next celebration of this country.