By popular demand, more music acts than ever will take centre stage at this year’s Tauranga Moana Waitangi Day Festival.

In its sixth year at The Historic Village at 17th Avenue, the anticipated large crowds will be able to enjoy music throughout the day to celebrate unity in Tauranga Moana on our national day.

The 70s, 80s, pop, and rock band Pow Wow is set to get people partying with their unique versions of well-known classic hits from across the eras and genres, followed by the Oreo band.

Singers Susan Braid, Kirsty-Ann Stephens, and Sophie-Maude Turner will also stun with their vocals to celebrate the 185th anniversary of the initial signing of the Treaty of Waitangi on 6 February 1840.

This will be the sixth Tauranga Moana Waitangi Day Festival held at The Historic Village. Photo / Supplied

He Iwi Kotahi trustee and professional historian Buddy Mikaere says the music will span the entire day (10 am-3pm) this year, by popular demand from last year’s festival visitors.

“Music is a way to bring everyone together. It’s a universal language where everyone at this whānau-focused event can get up and dance together.”

In the spirit of celebrating Tauranga’s multicultural, multi-ethnic make-up, a Chilean group will be displaying the traditional Rapanui dance, and a local African drumming group will be helping people learn how to create a beat.

The Tauranga Chinese Cultural Arts Group will be showing the Tai Chi fan dance, as well as providing calligraphy workshops, and other artisans will be providing kawakawa balm workshops, Samoan crown-making lessons, and harakeke (New Zealand flax) jewellery making sessions.

There will be calligraphy workshops, kawakawa balm workshops, Samoan crown-making lessons, and harakeke (New Zealand flax) jewellery making sessions at the festival. Photo / Benjamin Parkinson

“And, of course, the festival is about telling the story and history behind Waitangi Day, which can be easily accessed via the specially designed Treaty Storyboard Trail,” said Buddy.

“The trail of 12 boards placed around the village features fascinating facts about the history of Tauranga, the Treaty of Waitangi, and the era of battles in Tauranga, as well as how the guiding principles of the Treaty are central to the bicultural future of New Zealand.”

Children can pick up a Treaty Storyboard Trail workbook from the He Iwi Kotahi merchandise stand and enter a draw to win prizes.

Visitors should also expect boutique stalls, local artisans, food trucks galore, and various family games and activities.

The Have a Go and Rakau areas will feature Panga (balance) Boards, traditional Māori games, and children will love the new pony rides area.

Children can pick up a Treaty Storyboard Trail workbook from the He Iwi Kotahi merchandise stand and enter a draw to win prizes. Photo / Supplied

Milo, a 16-year-old singer-songwriter, will be busking throughout the event and be amazed by roving Circus in a Flash stilt and unicycle performers.

The inaugural Waitangi Day Festival Art Competition is also new to this year’s event.

Open to three categories, 0-4 years, 5-8 years, and 9-12 years; entrants will be able to head to the village’s Incubator Education Hub on the day and create their A4 size artwork that reflects their favourite activities or experiences on Waitangi Day.

Any medium, including crayons, paint, pencils, or pens, can be used and in any style.

“This addition to the festival is a way to further engage with our tamariki and what they love about Waitangi Day.

“We are excited about seeing all the creativity and being able to display that for everyone to admire on the day of the festival,” said Buddy.

Celebrated actress and community leader Mabel Wharekawa-Burt will again be MC for the day and will welcome the crowd just before 10am.

Music will span the entire day this year at the Tauranga Moana Waitangi Day Festival. Photo / Supplied

Then Senior Ngai Tamarawaho kaumātua Tamati Tata will lead a karakia before the Royal New Zealand Navy raises the New Zealand flag and the national anthem is sung.

As part of the festival’s kaupapa, free health and wellbeing checks and advice will be available, including Te Manu Toroa, a local medical practice, providing rongoā Māori based therapies and clinical based health assessments.

Heart Foundation NZ will test for diabetes and blood pressure and offer heart checks, and Huria Trust from Ngai Tamarawaho hapū will be available to give support and advice, including Hepatitis C tests, Total Mobility, and Bee Card Concession Application.

The Tauranga Moana Waitangi Day Festival 2025 will celebrate the 185th anniversary of the initial signing of the Treaty of Waitangi on February 6, 1840. Photo / Supplied

Blind Low Vision NZ, an organisation that provides support and services to people of all ages across Aotearoa, will also be present.

Te Aronga Toi Whenua Peka (the Māori Women’s Welfare League) will discuss mana wahine, healthy homes, aue kore, immunisations, and growing strong, healthy female rangatahi.

White Ribbon NZ will be raising awareness about White Ribbon Day, which celebrates the many men willing to show leadership and commitment to promote safe, healthy relationships within families.

The organisation will also be encouraging men to challenge each other on abusive attitudes and behaviours.

Finally, visitors can talk to Western Bay Wildlife Trust, a not-for-profit registered charitable trust dedicated to protecting little blu penguins, grey-faced petrels, and other native wildlife in the area.