The anniversary of the historic signing of the Treaty of Waitangi was marked by a line-up of award-winning Maori performers onstage who kept the crowds on their feet at the Waitangi Park on the Wellington waterfront on February 6.
Wellingtonians gathered at the landmark grassy clearing to celebrate Waitangi Day with song and dance, which lasted throughout the day, supported by food trucks and stalls provided by the Wellington City Council.
Mayor Tory Whanau said: “The Treaty recognises the history and connection between Maori and Pakeha, and this event acknowledges that with a positive and engaging experience.”
“It also aligns with our Te Tauihu policy, Tupiki Ora Maori strategy, and Takai Here agreement in recognising the status of te reo Maori as a taonga, the value of our combined cultures, and the relationship that binds us all,” the mayor noted.
Wellington City Council event coordinator Suzanne Tamaki said “Te Ra o Waitangi and Whanau Film Night are the perfect finale for some tu meke events in the capital.”
Award-winning local acts such as Tunes of 1, Tony Huata with the Aotearoa Allstars, AJA, Tararua Taonga Puoro, Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Nga Mokopuna, and Amba Holly kept the crowds entertained throughout the day at Waitangi Park.
In the lead-up to Waitangi Day, Sky Stadium hosted a performance by Ed Sheeran, while Fat Boy Slim and So13 Mio had gigs at Anderson Park.
The Te Papa Museum hosted a free Waitangi weekend Maori music programme featuring local Maori language artists and special guests.
Wellingtonians were urged to leave their cars at home and “bike, walk, scoot or take public transport to events.”
To mark Waitangi Day, Maori and Pasifika short films were screened on February 5, which were followed by a main feature titled Whina, which told the story of Dame Whina Cooper, the Maori matriarch who crusaded for the rights of her people, especially women.
Waitangi Day was first declared a national holiday in 1974 by the Labour Party, which called it New Zealand Day.
Two years later, the National Party rechristened it Waitangi Day.
But it wasn’t until 1985 that the event was seen as important enough for the prime minister to attend.
The Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 by representatives of the British Crown and over 500 Maori chiefs.
Waitangi Day is observed on New Zealand’s national calendar as an event attended by the political establishment at Waitangi to offer karakia (prayer).