Waitangi 2026: Crowds gather to watch huge waka fleet

Last updated Fri, Feb 6

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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 marked the official opening of the week
  • Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po, the Māori Queen, was welcomed on Wednesday.
  • The PM and political parties gathered on Thursday.
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Politics wasn’t entirely avoided on the day.

John Campbell: Anger gives way to confidence, ennui at Waitangi 2026

After 2024, after the hikoi, after last Waitangi, people are spent.

Sat, Feb 7

2:58

The sun rises over the Bay of Islands on the morning of Waitangi Day.

People gather for Waitangi Day services and events around the country

Waitangi Day 2026 kicked off this morning with the annual dawn service at Te Whare Rūnanga on the Treaty Grounds.

Fri, Feb 6

2:46

Full Video: Waitangi 2026 - Kei O Ringa

Full Video: Waitangi 2026 - Kei O Ringa

Watch the official Waitangi Day broadcast live from the Treaty Grounds.

Fri, Feb 6

Winston Peters

Heckles and fiery retorts as politicians speak at Waitangi

The Prime Minister acknowledged the atmosphere surrounding Waitangi Day and conversations about the Treaty had sometimes been "very heated".

Thu, Feb 5

5:45

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

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8:05pm

Ngā Purapura named Te Kāhui Maunga kapa haka regional champs

Ngā Purapura o Te Taihauāuru perform at Te Matatini 2025.

7:29pm

Hundreds flock to 'Wimbledon of shearing' comp in Masterton

2:06

The contest had drawn farmers from countries including Mongolia, Chile, England, Scotland and France.

7:25pm

'Week after week' petrol hikes as Iran war sends oil price soaring

2:26

Fuel prices in Auckland on March 7, 2026.

7:22pm

First Polynesian track and field event in a decade held in Auckland

2:43

The Tongan team is led by manager and Tonga Athletics Association  secretary general Alifeleti Tuihalamaka.

7:02pm

Highlanders overpower Force for Super Rugby Pacific win

Adam Lennox of Highlanders is tackled during the round four Super Rugby match between Highlanders and Western Force.

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Kiwis looking beyond the typical holiday hotspots in 2026

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Kiwis looking beyond the typical holiday hotspots in 2026
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