Waitangi Day celebrations

A chance to commemorate the first signing of our country’s founding document: Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the Treaty of Waitangi on 6 February 1840.

Te Rā O Waitangi Katikati

Western Bay Museum is hosting Te Rā O Waitangi, a free, whānau-friendly Waitangi Day event, at Katikati’s Haiku Park between 10am and 2pm.

There will be poi-making, weaving, face painting, live music and plenty of kai, with 13 delicious food vendors on site.

Māori and Pasifika cultural performances will take to the stage, along with bands Chur Da Boys, Junior John and Local Trio.

Bring a rug, chair and sunblock!

Tauranga Moana Waitangi Day Dawn Service

The Tauranga Moana Waitangi Day Dawn Service is an annual gathering held at Hopukiore (Mount Drury Reserve) in Mount Maunganui.

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, including Western Bay Mayor James Denyer.

Tauranga Moana Waitangi Day Festival 2025

The Tauranga Moana Waitangi Day Festival, at Tauranga Historic Village, from 10am to 3pm, is an opportunity to commemorate the signing of the Treaty and to learn about what the Treaty means to us today, but also to acknowledge and embrace Tauranga’s multi-ethnic make-up.

You can expect lots of fun-filled family activities, a wide variety of performers and musicians, boutique stalls, local artisans, and food trucks.

This year, for the first time, there is also a Waitangi Day Festival Art Competition taking place on the day.