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A large-scale public celebration of Waitangi Day is staged at Barry Curtis Park in Flat Bush this Thursday, February 6.
The Auckland Council’s free-entry event Waitangi ki Manukau 2025, from 10am to 4pm, is themed “exploring the Treaty, culture and music for Te Tiriti o Waitangi”, with the music headliners being Dam Native, MAJIC, and Jordyn with a Why.
“Join us for a fantastic day that honours the 185th anniversary of the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, packed with music and rich cultural experiences within te ao Māori (the Māori world),” says the council.
“This whānau-friendly event in the heart of Manukau is a fun and significant way to celebrate what Waitangi Day means for us all today.”
Waitangi ki Manukau 2025: Te Tūhura i te Tiriti, te ahurea me te puoro mō Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ā, ko ngā kaiwhakangahau matua, ko Dam Native, ko MAJIC, ko Jordyn with a Why hoki.
Kia rite ki te whai wāhi ki tētahi whakanui mā te hapori e whakamīharo ana, e utu kore ana hoki, e tū rā ki Waitangi ki Manukau 2025, hei a Tāite te 6 o Pēpuere 2025, ki Barry Curtis Park.
Piri mai ki tētahi kaupapa rawe e whakatūria ana e Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau hei whakamaharatanga ki te huritau 185 mai i te hainatanga o Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ā, ka pāorooro te puoro, ka rangona hoki te pārekareka o te ahurea i te ao Māori. He ara ngahau, he ara tāpua hoki tēnei kaupapa pai mā te whānau hei whakanui i te rā o Waitangi me tōna hiranga ki a tātou katoa i tēnei wā.
The council says: “This year’s theme, Te Tiriti ki Tāmaki Makaurau, commemorates the historical importance of Manukau as a site where treaty signings took place, and will provide a space to reflect on the ongoing relevance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its role in shaping Aotearoa.”
Auckland councillor Alf Filipaina sees Thursday’s event as a powerful reminder of the historical significance, unity, and future aspirations Te Tiriti o Waitangi offers Aucklanders.
“Waitangi ki Manukau 2025 is a commemoration for all, showcasing the rich diversity of Auckland communities through music, cultural experiences, and time with whānau,” he says.
“Auckland Council is committed to celebrating Māori identity, history and culture as Auckland’s unique point of difference in the world.
“This event highlights how through Te Tiriti o Waitangi, when Māori thrive, we all thrive in Tāmaki Makaurau.”
The council says the musical line-up is a standout of the event, with headline performances from Dam Native, MAJIC, Jordyn with a Why, MOHI, and Tipene, each bringing their own unique flavour to the stage.
“The event will also feature Valkyrie, bringing their indie-rock edge, and award-winning NLC, delivering fresh, dynamic energy with their reggae fusion.
“From hip-hop to R&B to indie-rock, the musical diversity on display at Waitangi ki Manukau will reflect the vibrant mix of cultures welcome in Tāmaki Makaurau.”
The council’s Māori culture and identity programme lead, Melz Huata-Lucas, says that while the selection of artists will help to create a stirring, unified atmosphere through the expression of music, Thursday’s commemoration of Waitangi Day will be so much more than just music.
“This year’s Waitangi ki Manukau event will embrace culture and community and the remembrance of the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the Treaty of Waitangi – the significance for Māori, in particular, iwi Māori from Tāmaki Makaurau, and the impact of the treaty on this region and on our society as a whole, ever since the signing,” she says.
The council says the day’s events will begin with a karakia, “setting a tone of reverence and unity, before the powerful line-up of performances and activities fills the day”.
“Learning opportunities focusing on Te Tiriti o Waitangi will also be at the forefront, allowing attendees to dive deeper into the historical and cultural significance of the Treaty as an important, living document.
“The Waitangi Village will offer interactive activities, including weaving workshops and kōrero, designed to foster understanding from both Māori and Pacific cultures.”
The festival is also set to feature a curated market with Māori arts and crafts, and kai stalls showcasing a delicious fusion of Māori and international flavours.
“A special area for children’s activities including face-painting and poi-making will ensure that tamariki have a fun and educational experience of their own.”
