Thousands attended Waitangi during Waitangi Day celebrations last year.
Thousands attended Waitangi during Waitangi Day celebrations last year.
He tangata, he tangata, he tangata: while Waitangi Day commemorations in the Bay of Islands feature much politicking, the majority of the event is about people having a great time.
It's a day sometimes associated with conflict but on the ground in the Bay of Islands Waitangi Day commemorations are filled with good kai, entertainment, and whanaungatanga.
And with the weather for Northland tomorrow forecast to be fine, with plenty of sun, a few clouds and afternoon breezes, up to 30,000 people are expected in the Bay for the commemorations.
Kaihoe (paddlers) performed a series of spine-tingling haka on Tii Beach last Waitangi Day.
There is plenty happening in the Bay of Islands as the nation marks the 179th anniversary of the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi), with many of the events spread across the week.
Like last year, the formal powhiri for distinguished guests will take place at Te Whare Runanga - the carved meeting house at the Upper Treaty Grounds.
Today members of parliament will be welcomed. For the first time, leaders of New Zealand's main political parties will both attend - Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and National Party Leader Simon Bridges
Ruth Takimoana and Hokimata Painting were watching people enjoy their breakfast made by the politicians last year.
Festivities take place in five distinct areas - the upper Treaty Grounds (by the flagpole and Treaty House), the lower Treaty Grounds (by Hobson Bay and the waka shelter), the sports field opposite the Treaty Grounds, the campground next to Te Tii Marae, and Tii Beach (in front of the marae).
Kyla (left) and Zeke Halse from Parua Bay were served breakfast by Jacinda Ardern last Waitangi Day in the Bay.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Today: 10am-11.30am: Powhiri for Government and all Parliamentarians. At the Upper Marae on the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
4.45–5.15pm: Royal NZ Navy Beat Retreat and Ceremonial Sunset on the Upper Treaty Grounds. Navy band concert and marching followed by the lowering of the flag
Tomorrow Waitangi Day:
Upper Treaty Grounds
5am: Dawn Service at Te Whare Rūnanga
6.30am: Flag raising ceremony accompanied by Scottish Bagpiper Bain McGregor
7am-9am: Prime Minister's breakfast barbeque. By the flag pole near Upper Marae on Treaty Grounds.
9.30am: The mass waka fleet will take to the water at Tii Beach, in front of Te Tii Marae.
10am: Interdenominational Church service at Te Whare Rūnanga
11.30am: Royal NZ Navy Big Band performance and Kapahaka at the Flagstaff
12noon: Royal NZ Navy 21-gun salute from HMNZS Wellington
2.30pm: Te Huaki Puanaki – Māori songwriter and recording artist
3pm: DDF Dance Crew - local hip hop dance group
Waka will be on the water throughout the day with an appearance by the world's largest ceremonial canoe, Ngātokimatawhaorua (tide and weather dependant).
Sports Field Area (opposite the Treaty Grounds)
9am–3pm: Whānau Ora (empowering whānau) with Te Taitokerau Health and Education Providers and a full programme of entertainment from the Ngati Hine FM stage
10am–4pm: Children's fun rides and various activities including a bouncy castle
