As Waitangi Day dawns tomorrow, a number of events happening in Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty will offer residents and visitors alike the chance to mark Aotearoa New Zealand’s national day.

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

The event is described as an 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.

All are welcome to gather at Hopukiore from 6am. The service starts begin 6.30am and will include a welcome by tangata whenua, kapa haka and guest speakers.

Tauranga Moana Waitangi Day Festival

Later on in the day everyone is welcome to attend the Tauranga Moana Waitangi Day Festival at the Historic Village, 17th Ave, Tauranga South, from 10am-3pm.

“The free festival is a day to celebrate, acknowledge and pay respect to what this day means and the unity we seek moving forward,” according to organisers. “It is a day full of live music, entertainment, workshops, laughter and much aroha.”

Local actress and community leader Mabel Wharekawa-Burt is MC and will welcome the crowd just before 10am.

Then senior Ngai Tamarawaho kaumātua Tamati Tata will lead a karakia before the Royal New Zealand Navy raises the New Zealand flag and the national anthem is sung by Brooke McChesney.

An action-packed day of activities for all to enjoy will follow!

The entertainment and performance line-up are set to entertain all day long with Māori art workshops, craft stalls, and performances from local musicians and cultural groups.

Food trucks will offer delicious kai to purchase.

Visitors will be able to participate in feather earring workshops and a special taonga pūoro ‘singing treasures’ or Māori musical instruments workshop by expert Jason Philips. Classic outdoor wooden games such as cornhole and Kubb will also be offer.

Western Bay of Plenty

Meanwhile, in the Western Bay of Plenty district, Te Rā o Waitangi:

A Katikati Commemoration of Waitangi Day is happening on February 6, from 6.30am-2.30pm. People can gather for a Waitangi Day Dawn Service at 6.30am at the Western Bay Museum forecourt on Main Rd.

After a flag raising ceremony and national anthem performance, the crowd will be directed to a marque for a commemorative service attended by Western BOP Mayor James Denyer and array of representatives of the diverse Katikati community.

There will also be two free movies at The Arts Junction Theatre.