Mō tātou, mā tātou, Waitangi Day at Waitangi

Waitangi is set to welcome thousands of visitors tomorrow, Friday 6 February, as people from across the country come together to mark Waitangi Day. Organisers are encouraging everyone to attend with a positive and respectful mindset and enjoy the day together.

Waitangi National Trust chief executive Ben Dalton says this year’s themes reflect both belonging and care for one another.
“Mō tātou, mā tātou speaks to Waitangi as a place for all of us and by all of us,” he said. “The second theme, manaakitanga, is about looking after one another, which is especially important during a week like this.”

Heavy traffic is expected on the streets surrounding Waitangi, so people are strongly encouraged to use the free visitor parking at Bledisloe Domain and beside the ITM at Haruru and catch a free shuttle bus to Waitangi. Ferry services from Paihia to Waitangi via Russell/Kororāreka will run every 20 minutes, with standard fares applying.

Bay of Islands Business Association chair Lesley Lucas says Waitangi Week also delivers a significant boost for the local economy.
“With accommodation, hospitality, retail and tourism operators all feeling the impact, events of this scale provide an important lift for local businesses and help showcase the Bay of Islands to visitors from across the country and overseas,” she said.

Far North District Council staff will also be on site, with council libraries and climate change teams hosting an information stall at the sports field to answer questions and share information.

The council’s contractor, Citycare Property, will be providing additional services in the Waitangi and Paihia areas throughout the week to support the large number of manuhiri. This year, extra bins and toilet facilities will be available, with a dedicated team focused on maintaining services.

The full 2026 programme of events is available online here and includes something for everyone, from the forum tent on the lower treaty grounds, where political and iwi-led discussions will take place, to music stages, kapa haka performances and plenty of food stalls.

People planning to attend are encouraged to arrive early and come prepared. Bring a refillable water bottle (drinking water fountains are available), along with a hat, sunscreen and an umbrella. Beach chairs are also recommended. There will be plenty of food stalls on site throughout the day.

Visitors are reminded that pets must be left at home, as the Waitangi Estate is a kiwi habitat. The estate is also a smoke free and vape free area.

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Hear from Ben Dalton, Chief Executive of Waitangi National Trust and Lesley Lucas, Chair of Business Bay of Islands about what makes Waitangi Day special.