December 27, 2012
Family fun focus of Waitangi programme
Up to 20 waka are expected on the waters of the Bay of Islands for Waitangi Day.
The Waitangi National Trust is promising family fun alongside the official commemoration of the signing of the treaty in 1840.
On 5th of February, there will be a mau rakau demonstration in front of the meeting house, and a display by the Kerikeri Creative Fibre Group in the Treaty House Courtyard.
After the Navy’s beating the retreat ceremony and band concert at the Treaty Grounds flagpole, there will be the finals of the Waitangi has Talent competition.
Waitangi Day starts with the dawn service in the meeting house, with another service at the waka shelter at 10.30am.
There will be continuous entertainment through the day on the treaty grounds and at the trust sports field across the road.
The Navy Band performs at the flagstaff area followed by a 21-gun salute at noon and an aerial display by the RNZAF aerobatics flying team, the Red Checkers.
Through the afternoon Northland's top kapa haka groups perform.
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Te Tii Marae will also be busy welcoming politicians and dignitaries and hosting debates at the forum tent.