The Tauranga Moana Waitangi Day Dawn Service returns to Hopukiore (Mount Drury Reserve) in Mount Maunganui after covid restrictions and poor weather prevented a public gathering from going ahead in the previous two years.

The service represents an opportunity for all members of the community to come together and honour the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the Treaty of Waitangi, and reflect on what it means to them today.

The service begins at 6.30am with a welcoming by tangata whenua, and also includes kapa haka, waiata, and guest speakers.

Speakers include local kaumātua (elders), clergy from community church groups, civic leaders and rangatahi (youth) leaders. 

A livestream is available at www.tauranga.govt.nz/waitangi-day for those who cannot attend in-person.

The ceremony will conclude with a closing karakia at about 8am.

A road closure will be in place on Tuesday, 6 February from 5am until 9am on Marine Parade from Grace Avenue to Pacific Avenue.

Tauranga City Council is proud to work collaboratively with mana whenua to ensure this important date in our country’s history is commemorated year on year.

Tauranga City Council works, as part of the organising committee, alongside the Whareroa Marae Committee, Ngai Tukairangi, Māori Wardens, Te Kohinga Network, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Bay of Plenty Regional Council and the Tauranga Church Community.

The organising committee receives funding from the Ministry of Culture and Heritage, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Western Bay of Plenty District Council and Tauranga City Council to support the service.

Tauranga Moana Waitangi Day Dawn Service

6.30am – 8am (attendees welcome to gather from 6am)

Tuesday, 6 February

Hopukiore (Mount Drury Reserve), 25 Pacific Avenue, Mount Maunganui