Live updates: Day one of Waitangi 2026

Last updated 5:40pm

SHARE

Waitangi 2026

Waitangi 2026

Waitangi 2026

Waitangi 2026

Welcome to 1News’ live updates – we’re covering events in and around Waitangi in the lead up to our national day of commemoration on Friday 6 February.

The week at a glance:

  • A dawn ceremony and kawe mate on Tuesday will mark the official opening of the week
  • Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po will be welcomed on Wednesday at 1pm
  • The PM and political parties are expected on Thursday at 11am
New ZealandWaitangi Day

More Stories

In 2025 Luxon observed Waitangi Day with Ngāi Tahu at Ōnuku Marae in Akaroa.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon set to return to Waitangi

A spokesperson said Luxon was looking forward to engaging with iwi about the recent weather response and work the Government is doing to grow the economy.

Fri, Jan 30

John Campbell with the Waitangi dawn service in the background.

John Campbell: Waitangi in the age of the Treaty Principles Bill

ANALYSIS: The crowd was smaller, the Prime Minister was absent and, one year after the jubilation of 2024, the mood was different.

February 7, 2025

Waitangi 2025: Luxon speaks at Ōnuku marae, waka parade at Te Tii

Waitangi 2025: Luxon speaks at Ōnuku marae, waka parade at Te Tii

Join 1News for coverage of commemorations from Waitangi and across the motu.

February 6, 2025

Waka parade in front of Te Tii marae.

New Zealand celebrates Waitangi Day with haka, hīkoi and reflection

The country marks 185 years since the signing of a founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi.

February 6, 2025

2:35

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon speaks to commemorate Waitangi Day at Te Whare Rūnanga on February 6, 2024

Prime Minister confirms he won't be at Treaty Grounds on Waitangi Day

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said he has chosen to take part in celebrations elsewhere.

December 19, 2024

2:39

David Seymour in November 2023 (file image).

ACT launches Treaty Principles Bill 'information campaign'

"This law will unwind the divisive modern 'partnership' interpretation of the Treaty," party leader David Seymour said.

February 7, 2024

Latest

Popular

7:41pm

Popular northern holiday spots welcoming guests despite storm damage

Northbound Kaiikanui Rd convoy leader pilot vehicle driver Tagiora Moka fronts the queue of about 15 vehicles heading into the severe weather-hit Whangaruru coast on February 2, 2026. (Source: LDR / Susan Botting)

7:19pm

Bad Bunny wins album of the year at 2026 Grammy Awards

2:33

Bad Bunny accepts the award for album of the year for Debí Tirar Más Fotos during the 68th annual Grammy Awards.

7:00pm

Young model cold case: Sydney madam made 'intriguing' call

Revelle Balmain. (Source: NSW Police)

6:40pm

Pair killed in helicopter crash north of Wellington named

0:40

1News footage showed officers at a cordon in Battle Hill Farm Forest Park, near the crash site in the Paekākāriki Hill area.

6:35pm

Armed robbers take empty safe in stick-up at Sydney hotel

Two men are being sought by police after stealing a safe from a Sydney hotel. (Source: NSW Police)

6:28pm

More interest rates relief expected for homeowners

More interest rates relief expected for homeowners
1
2
3
4
5
6

More from Entertainment

Bad Bunny accepts the award for album of the year for Debí Tirar Más Fotos during the 68th annual Grammy Awards.

Bad Bunny wins album of the year at 2026 Grammy Awards

It's the first time a Spanish-language album has taken home the top prize.

7:19pm

Lily Allen is set to perform in Auckland later this year.

Lily Allen announces one-off NZ show

The English singer-songwriter will perform her new album West End Girl in its entirety, in the order the songs appear on the record.

12:41pm

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive for the premiere of her movie "Melania" at The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center For The Performing Arts

Melania, panned by some critics, opens with strong US ticket sales

7:54am

US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive for the premiere of her movie "Melania" at The John F. Kennedy Memorial Centre.

From stilettos to safety: Key takeaways from Melania Trump's doco

Sat, Jan 31

Catherine O'Hara

Emmy-winning comedian Catherine O'Hara dies at 71

Sat, Jan 31