A smorgasbord of free family events are on offer to Western Bay of Plenty and Tauranga residents on Waitangi Day, February 6.

Waitangi Day is Aotearoa New Zealand’s national day and is our opportunity to gather to commemorate the first signing of our country’s founding document: Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the Treaty of Waitangi, on February 6, 1840.

The annual Tauranga Moana Waitangi Day dawn service is going ahead at Hopukiore (Mount Drury Reserve) in Mount Maunganui.

According to Tauranga City Council, all are welcome to gather at Hopukiore from 6am. “The service starts at 6.30am and will include a welcome by tangata whenua, kapa haka, and guest speakers.”

Later in the day, at the Historic Village at 17th Avenue, Tauranga Moana Waitangi Day Festival is back for its sixth instalment.

Music

He Iwi Kotahi trustee and professional historian Buddy Mikaere said this year music will span the entire day – from 10am to 3pm – by popular demand from last year’s festival visitors. “Music is a way to bring everyone together. It’s a universal language where everyone at this whānau-focused event can get up and dance together.”

A variety of musicians will perform – including singers Susan Braid, Kirsty-Ann Stephens and Sophie-Maude Turner, pop and rock band Pow Wow, and the Oreo band.

A Chilean group will display a traditional Rapanui dance, and a local African drumming group will help people learn how to create a beat.

The Tauranga Chinese Cultural Arts Group will show the Tai Chi fan dance, and provide calligraphy workshops, while other artisans provide kawakawa balm workshops, Samoan crown-making lessons, and harakeke (New Zealand flax) jewellery making sessions.

“And, of course, the festival is about telling the story and history behind Waitangi Day, which can be easily accessed via the specially designed Treaty Storyboard Trail,” said Buddy.

“The trail of 12 boards placed around the village features fascinating facts about the history of Tauranga, the Treaty of Waitangi, and the era of battles in Tauranga, as well as how the guiding principles of the Treaty are central to the bicultural future of New Zealand.”

Visitors should also expect boutique stalls, local artisans, food trucks galore, and various family games and activities.

In the Western Bay of Plenty district, residents can enjoy a new free Waitangi Day celebration in Katikati.

The Western Bay Museum is hosting Te Rā O Waitangi, a whānau-friendly Waitangi Day event, at the Haiku Park from 10am-2pm. Find out more in this edition of the Weekend Sun on pages 6-7.