Waitangi Day will be marked by a special commemorative event at Elliott Park this year, through a partnership involving Te Runanga o Kirikiriroa, Western Community Centre and Hamilton City Council.
Waitangi Day is New Zealand’s national holiday held to commemorate the signing of New Zealand’s founding document – The Treaty of Waitangi – in 1840.
Taking place on Wednesday 6 February, the Commemoration will include free entertainment including inflatables, face painting and a recycled hat competition. There will also be food, craft and information stalls as well as a youth zone.
There will be entertainment provided by a number of dancing groups including Irish and Chinese Dancers, as well as musical acts such as Charles Clover and The Harmonic Resonators.
Starting with a Powhiri at 9.15am, the event will run until 3pm. Te Runanga o Kirikiriroa is leading the event, with support from partners including Western Community Centre and Hamilton City Council.
“Waitangi Day is a significant time for everyone to come together as a community and a City,” says Jamie Toko, Western Community Centre Chairperson.
“We treasure the partnership we have with Te Runanga O Kirikiriroa and Hamilton City Council for making this commemorative day so special for our many Kaumatua, Kuia, families and their children. Nau mai haere mai!”
For more information please email Waitangi@terunanga.org.nz.