Waka paddlers from around Northland — and some from as far away as North America and the Netherlands — are getting ready for one of Waitangi Day's great spectacles.
About 10 waka and several hundred kaihoe (paddlers) are expected to take part in this year's waka display, which will culminate in a spine-tingling mass haka on the beach in front of Te Tii Marae on Waitangi Day.
The waka will include Ngatokimatawhaorua, the 80-man ceremonial canoe carved for the Treaty's 100th anniversary in 1940.
The timing of the display will depend on weather and tides and has yet to be determined. Last year it started around 8.30am.
Weather permitting the paddlers may also head to Paihia to perform an on-water display.