Waitangi Day events

Waitangi Day 2024 Celebrations Across New Zealand

Discover the vibrant celebrations and events marking Waitangi Day 2024. Thousands gather for dawn services, concerts, and more in commemoration of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Waitangi Day 2024 in New Zealand was marked by a series of vibrant events and celebrations across the country. Thousands gathered at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds for the annual dawn service, commemorating the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the Treaty of Waitangi, 184 years ago. Government ministers faced a boisterous reception with a fierce haka, protests, and songs drowning out their speeches in Waitangi town.

Urban Māori organizations Whānau Waipareira and the Manukau Urban Māori Authority (Muma) hosted free concerts in Tāmaki Makaurau, adding music to the festivities. Despite the traffic chaos reported, with long delays on the roads to various celebrations, the spirit of Waitangi Day prevailed.

Record attendance at Waitangi Day events led to congestion and reports of reckless driving, underlining the significance of the day in New Zealand's cultural calendar. The annual events like the hīkoi in Hawke's Bay and dawn services in Tauranga Moana brought communities together, reflecting the country's bicultural foundation established by Waitangi Day.

As the nation celebrated Waitangi Day, the historical significance of the treaty and the unity it symbolizes were at the forefront. The commemorations served as a reminder of New Zealand's rich cultural heritage and the ongoing importance of upholding the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.