Waitangi Commemoration event for our Kapiti Coast community

Ngā Hapū o Ōtaki General Manager, Kim Tahiwi says this year’s theme, Ngā Taonga Tukuiho (ancestral treasures), acknowledges Ngāti Raukawa and Hapū, their history and historical involvement with Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and provides an opportunity for the community to reflect on what this relationship means to them.

“This will be a space for celebration and to share historical knowledge of Taumanuka, being one of the sites where the Te Tiriti was signed, we want to highlight this and the significance of the land,” says Ms Tahiwi.

“The day will provide a great opportunity for uri (descendants) of the original owners of the Ngārara whenua (land) and others to learn about the tūpuna (ancestors), as well as the local contribution and environment at the time of te Tiriti signing.

"He taonga tukuiho no ngā mātua tupuna - treasures passed down through the generations by our ancestors.

View larger image | Waitangi ki Taumanuka
10am–3pm, 6 February 2025
29 Health Camp Road, Ōtaki

“On the day, our Waitangi Commemoration event will begin with Pōwhiri at 9am. If you’d like to be a part of this, please meet outside the gates at 8:45am where you will be guided through the process. 

“Our stalls and activities will kick off at 10am, along with entertainment including a DJ and performances from Kapa Haka and regional artists. Pack a picnic or enjoy the food trucks and stalls and kid’s fun zone available throughout the day, which will make our Waitangi commemorations a truly whānau-friendly affair.

“We encourage attendees to bring refillable drink bottles, ride a bike or walk to the event, and use the recycling stations on the day, to help us reduce waste and keep the event as sustainable as possible. There will be parking on site with traffic marshals to keep everyone safe. As it is a whānau-friendly event we ask that you leave your dogs at home and don’t smoke or vape on the grounds.

“Nau te raurau, nāku te raurau, ka ora ai te iwi - with your basket and my basket, the people will live.”

Kāpiti Coast District Council Mayor Janet Holborow says Council is a committed Te Tiriti partner and are proud to be supporting Ngā Hapū o Ōtaki with their Waitangi commemorations.

“Waitangi Day is an opportunity for all of our community to come together and reflect on the history of our relationship with Mana Whenua, both in our district and across Aotearoa,” says Mayor Holborow.

“It’s particularly important in current times to take a moment to focus on our partnership with Mana Whenua and how we build our relationships to support our diverse community.

“Bring your friends and whānau, pack your fold out chairs, picnic blankets, and sun hats, and come along to connect with and reflect on our shared history.”

For the full day’s programme and event information, parking and traffic management, please visit www.ngahapuootaki.nz/panui.