Two Hawaiian va'a to join waka fleet

The waka fleet prepares to head out on to the Waitangi River during the 2014 Waitangi Day festivities. Photo / John Stone

The largest waka fleet in 25 years, extra Navy vessels and the appearance of two Hawaiian va'a.

These are just a few of the special events expected at this year's Waitangi Festival in Waitangi on February 6 to mark 175 years since the treaty was signed.

Waitangi National Trust chief executive Greg McManus said around 30,000 people were expected to attend the festival which would host one of the largest procession of waka ever assembled in modern times.

"Last year we had about a dozen waka. We haven't had one this large since the 1990 [150th] celebrations," he said.

Waitangi day organising committee chairman Pita Paraone said the 175th anniversary tied in nicely with the celebration held last month in the Bay of Islands that marked 200 years since the Rev Samuel Marsden led the first Christian service on New Zealand soil.

Mr Paraone said there would many special events to mark the important 175th anniversary.

"The interdenominational Church Service is usually held by the waka house. This year we will have it at the whare-runanga to mark the anniversary. The whare-runanga is held in the same area as the Waitangi house, it's a reminder that the treaty was signed by both Pakeha and Maori."

Mr Paraone said there would be a range of entertainment from kapa haka groups to bands and singers.

"On February 5 there will be a free concert with performances from Tina Cross, the JGeeks and Mika which will be emceed by Georgina Beyer. On February 6 Ardijah will be performing."

The opening act on Waitangi Day will be by national senior kapa haka champions Te Waka Hui and Mr Paraone said it was special to have a national team.

"It's rare to get a national group come up. We always have our local groups and they contribute and help so much."

Governor General Sir Jerry Mateparae will be at Waitangi on the Thursday before Waitangi Day before he heads back to Wellington on February 6 to host his own function.

"This year he will be planting a tree denoting his term as Governor General, following his predecessors, it's something that is done when their term nears an end."

Mr Paraone and Mr McManus said this year's celebrations would be huge.

"I think it is a day that can be enjoyed by family. It's time to reflect on the significance of the signing," said Mr Paraone.