Monday 5 Feb - Tuesday 6 Feb 2024
Waitangi Day: A Day of Unity, Diversity and Joy.
Ngāti Kahungunu believes that Waitangi Day commemorations are important, for they increase awareness of the Treaty as the founding document of our modern nation and enhance the mana and well-being of Kahungunu and the wider community.
We plan to continue to bring Hawke’s Bay’s diverse communities together over kai, cultural performances, music, sports and wānanga workshops.
For the past 23 years Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Inc has marked the Treaty of Waitangi Day as a place for positive interaction between Ngāti Kahungunu and the wider community by promoting cultural diversity while recognising the role of mana whenua. And we want the event to create an opportunity for the many communities of Hawke’s Bay to come together in celebration of themselves and in commemoration of the Treaty.
With these goals in mind Ngāti Kahungunu is organising celebrations to cater for over 10,000 visitors they expect to join them.
“While our event is based in Hastings, our tribal rohe is from Wairoa to Wairarapa and we encourage as many of our iwi members and wider community to attend”, said Event Manager for Ngāti Kahungunu, Te Rangi Huata.
“We promote our event as a celebration of our National Day and try to offer a wide range of entertainment that caters for everyone.”
For those who can’t attend, the event is live streamed on facebook to more than 30k viewers.
“We feel the main reason why our event has a great attendance is that it is free to attend, the venue Hawke’s Bay Regional Sportspark has lots of parking, there is covered stadium seating and there are a variety of activities available from free show rides, stage entertainment and a large craft and kai village to explore.”
Speeches by local politicians will address the theme of the midday opening ceremony: “What does the Treaty of Waitangi mean to me?
Celebrations start with Reggae and Ribs twilight event on Monday 5 Feb featuring live reggae music and tasty BBQ delights. The event is a tribute to the music of Bob Marley who sang about justice, spirituality, love and unity. Bands include The Rude Boyz, Red Band, Te Whānau Puoro and songster Hikawera Ferris.
Wānanga workshops in a large marquee for 100+ visitors will cover topics including Te Tiriti, Health, Environment, Te Reo, Education, Justice and Housing. Included will be updates from the Hui a Motu called by Kingi Tuheitia at Turangawaewae Marae.
The event also has a focus on promoting and celebrating local talent and there are 15 musicians, bands, kapa haka and cultural troupes that will perform at the two day event. National feature artists TJ and Huri will perform at 2pm.
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What: Waitangi Day Family Celebrations.
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Where: Hawke’s Bay Regional Sportspark, 42 Percival Rd, Hastings
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When: Monday 5 Feb 5pm to 8.30pm, Tuesday 6 Feb 9am to 3.30pm.
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Cost: Free Entry and Free Rides – All Welcome
What's New? Our twilight event on Monday 5 February and our Wānanga space with early morning breakfast on Tuesday 6 February.
* For more information about the breakfast contact Ruth ruth@kahungunu.iwi.nz