Thousands of attendees and dignitaries gathered at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and around the country today to celebrate 185 years since the signing of New Zealand’s founding document.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon did not attend the Treaty Grounds as previously signalled in December, choosing to accept an invitation to spend the day with Ngāi Tahu at Akaroa’s Ōnuku Marae alongside Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro.
Luxon spoke about the importance of economic growth, partnerships between Maori and the Government and empowering iwi to lead initiatives that benefit both Maori and New Zealand as a whole.
“We’ve demonstrated time and time again that we can confront tension, heal past grievances, and move forward. Something many other countries around the world have failed to achieve.
“The Crown-Māori relationship will continue to be strong and built on respect and collaboration.”
In the Bay of Islands, a dawn ceremony at Te Whare Rūnanga Marae marked the beginning of the day’s events, with speeches from politicians and church leaders.
Methodist Church leader Te Aroha Rountree delivered a sermon including criticism of Luxon’s leadership and the Government’s commitment to Te Tiriti.
She referred to the Crown-Maori relationship as a marriage and that it seemed the Crown had “filed for divorce” from a “blissfully unaware” Maori.
ACT leader David Seymour said he was unimpressed by the speech.
“Maybe if people wonder why church attendance is in free fall, and people turn away from Christianity according to the latest Census, it’s because people try and politicise things like that.”
Methodist Church President Te Aroha Rountree says the Treaty Principles Bill feels like one spouse, the Crown, has filed for divorce. (Source: 1News)
Political leaders from each party were invited to offer a prayer at the Waitangi dawn ceremony.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins said: “May we find the courage, patience and strength to celebrate our differences and reconcile our differences. May we turn away from provocation.”
Greens co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick read from the Ada Limón poem Dead Stars.
“Look, we are not unspectacular things. We’ve come this far, survived this much. What would happen if we decided to survive more?”
Neither Te Pāti Māori nor NZ First were present at the dawn ceremony.
In one of the greater spectacles of the day, waka were launched this morning following karakia and a mass haka.
The waka parade was key to celebrating Māori culture at Waitangi, as the various waka represented ancestral waka that sailed to settle Aotearoa.
One by one, they left the shore as many whānau lined the bank to farewell their waka individually as they departed.
Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei were on hand to see off their waka, Te Kawau — the iwi’s first in 25 years. The waka also led Team New Zealand’s boat out for races in their successful America’s Cup campaign in Barcelona.
Attendees reflect on a half century since the rise of the Māori Land March. (Source: 1News)
As each waka joined the fleet, Ngātokimatawhaorua led the fleet around the bay and across in front of Te Tii Marae.
Heeni Davis, 89, has seen the tide at Waitangi come and go many times.
“There were one or two waka when I first saw it, but this is wonderful, I feel all choked up just watching it,” she said, reflecting on how commemorations have changed over the years.
Northland District Prevention Manager, Inspector Dean Robinson, said there was a large turnout of attendees at this morning’s dawn service and other activities throughout the day.
“It’s been a beautiful day, filled with people from near and far all coming together to commemorate this occasion.
“We worked closely with iwi, the Waitangi National Trust and the community to ensure this was a safe and enjoyable day for the public.”
He said the atmosphere was relaxed and respectful.
“It was great to see so many people celebrating with whānau and enjoying their time at Waitangi.”
Events were also held across the country to commemorate our national day.
Around 500 people turned out for a hīkoi in support of Māori rights in Christchurch.
Starting at Victoria Square and finishing at New Brighton Pier, the hīkoi was organised by Tai ki Maunga, Maunga ki Tai.
There were similar scenes in the capital, with hundreds gathering for a hīkoi between Pukeahu National War Memorial Park and Waitangi Park, arriving in time for a Te Rā o Waitangi on the waterfront.
In the south and in the north, Waitangi Day was marked by marches calling for unity and the partnership that was promised. (Source: 1News)
Meanwhile in Hawke’s Bay, up to 500 people were accompanied by a flotilla of waka taurua, canoes, and Westshore Sea Scout dinghies in a 30-minute hīkoi along Te Awa o Mokotūāraro riverbank to Farndon Park in Clive. They were greeted by a rousing haka pōwhiri from Hukarere and Te Aute college students.
“The purpose of remembering isn’t to sow division and disharmony but actually to bind us together as a nation that can openly and honestly confront its past,” historian Vincent O’Malley said.
“That’s not about assigning blame, it’s just about growing up as a nation, being mature enough to own our history – warts and all.”
Around 35,000 people gathered to celebrate Waitangi Day in West Auckland’s Parrs Park with a free concert, featuring Stan Walker, Aaradhna, Che Fu, Troy Kingi, Corrella and more.
In south Auckland, Waitangi ki Manukau at Barry Curtis Park was headlined by Dam Native, MAJIC, Jordyn with a Why, MOHI and Tipene.
Toa Waka Ama offered Porirua residents the opportunity to paddle around Te-Awarua-o-Porirua harbour on a free waka tour as part of Waitangi Day celebrations.
Waitangi Ltd chief executive Ben Dalton said the day was filled with people in good spirits.
“It’s been yet another beautiful Waitangi Day and we are grateful to everyone who came to mark this moment with us.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported and assisted in making this another successful day for everyone to enjoy.”
Despite the traditional tensions at Waitangi — this time piqued by coalition politics — the overriding atmosphere there and across the motu was resoundingly positive.
