Source: Auckland Council
February marks one of the most important days in the calendar for Aotearoa New Zealand.
Waitangi Day commemorates the day when 183 years ago, several Māori chiefs signed Te Tiriti o Waitangi; the founding documents of our nation.
This day holds great significance in Aotearoa as a day to remember Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and brings with it reflections and celebrations year-on-year. For 2025 in Tāmaki Makaurau, this year’s Waitangi Day theme is ‘Te Tiriti ki Tāmaki Makaurau’, commemorating the historical importance in our region of where treaty signings took place.
There are also many free, family-friendly events full of tasty kai, great music and enriching kōrero to commemorate our national holiday.
Here’s a few to get you started:
Waitangi ki Manukau
A large crowd in attendance for the Waitangi ki Manukau event, with live music and delicious kai for all to enjoy.
Education is at the forefront this year at Waitangi ki Manukau, located at Barry Curtis Park (entrance opposite 260 Chapel Road, Flat Bush), and welcoming all to enjoy the day with great kai, lively music and exploration of the Treaty and its historical and cultural significance. Plenty of opportunities to get involved await visitors at The Waitangi Village, which has on offer weaving workshops and educational kōrero, designed to foster understanding of both Māori and Pacific cultures.
Plus, there’s a curated market with Māōri arts and crafts, kai stalls showcasing delicious fusion of Māori and international flavours, and a designated play area for tamariki with engaging activities.
There’s also an exciting line-up of musicians with headliners Dam Native, MAJIC, Tipene, Jordyn with a Why and many more!
Waitangi at Waititi
Festival attendees enjoying the performances at Waitangi at Waititi.
More family fun awaits in West Auckland at Parrs Park, thanks to Te Whānau o Waipareira, who are putting on an incredible event full of delicious kai and some kid-friendly rides for the whole whānau to enjoy.
You won’t want to miss out on epic performers like Stan Walker, Mark Williams, Che Fu & The Kratez, Ladi 6, Black Slate, Corrella, Troy Kingi, Aaradhna, Rob Ruha and Annie Crummer.
Waitangi Day ki Tāmaki
Kapa Haka performers sharing Māori tradition with their waiata / song.
You can also head to Point England Reserve, which will be bursting with family friendly activity for the day.
Get amongst the celebrations and enjoy yummy kai, arts and craft stalls, and a live music stage featuring top musicians like Katchafire, Teina Mamaori, Norizin, Lopz & the Rasta, Queen Shirl’e Academy, Kas Tha Feelstyle, as well as kapa haka groups.
Vector Lights for Waitangi Day
Enjoy a Waitangi-themed light show to delight friends and whānau with Vector Lights on the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
As the sun sets, enjoy a Waitangi-themed light show to delight friends and whānau with Vector Lights on the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Designed by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, in collaboration with Mandylights, the dazzling show is a celebration of the many tūpuna gone before who laid a strong foundation for their descendants, creating a legacy and everlasting connection to their whenua, to their moana and to each other.
The accompanied waiata ‘Maunga’ by siblings Majic Pāora and Robbie Pāora can be listened to live at vector.co.nz/lights. The show will repeat every 15 minutes from 9pm until midnight.
Here’s a tip: grab your paraikete (blanket) and catch the show from some of the best viewing places like Silo Park, Bayswater Marina and Takarunga Mt Victoria!
Please note, due to critical maintenance work by NZTA, some of the lights will not appear on the west side overarch of the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Completion of the work is expected by 31 March 2025.
