Waitangi Day 2020 will take on special significance this year, with a day of ceremony and celebration at The Historic Village.

Organised in part by Ngati Pukenga ki Tauranga Iwi Trust in conjunction with other organisations, the celebration will acknowledge our shared identity.

'The Tauranga Moana Waitangi Day Festival is an opportunity for us to both commemorate the signing of the Treaty and acknowledge and embrace Tauranga's multi-cultural, multi-ethnic makeup,” says organiser Buddy Mikaere.

'The main emphasis of the day will be on celebrating our multi-cultural community with narrative around continually seeking ways to build our unity and draw strength as one people.”

The 2020 celebration will include a traditional Maori welcome, a citizenship ceremony for Tauranga's newest Kiwis, a host of workshops including one covering the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, plus local artisans, musicians, performers and food stalls. The festival will feature the international performing group Te Kapa Haka O Ngati Ranginui. With much of the day centred around the Village Green and The Kollective stage, it is suggested that attendees bring a picnic and sun umbrella.

The People's Gallery will be hosting a curated exhibition and The Incubator Creative Hub director Simone Anderson says they will have free demonstrations and hands-on workshops for all ages. 'Experienced and respected Maori tutors and practitioners will be engaged to share their skills whilst incorporating values such as tikanga (protocols), whakawhanaungatanga (togetherness), manaakitanga (support), and mahi toi (the arts).”

The Tauranga Moana Waitangi Day Festival runs from 10am-5pm on February 6, 2020, at The Historic Village with entry by gold coin donation. A free shuttle bus will operate from the Elizabeth Street car parking building to the Historic Village from 9am-5pm.

To find out more about the festival and see the full programme of events and workshops, visit: www.waitangidaytauranga.co.nz