Annual commemorations of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi began today with iwi and government representatives gathering for the National Iwi Chairs Forum. The forum follows recent hui at Tūrangawaewae and Ratana, and will be the first opportunity for iwi leaders to engage directly and as a collective with the new government.

The significance of Te Tiriti is perhaps more pronounced than ever this year, following the leak of a draft document for Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour’s Treaty Principles Bill and Te Waka Hourua’s action at Te Papa in December. Official ceremonies are likely to see robust debate, and events are scheduled around the country to support all New Zealanders to learn about and reflect on what the founding document means to them and those with whom they share this land.

Manatū Taonga Ministry of Culture and Heritage committed $300,000 last year to support such events, with many centring toi Māori.

Ta Ahu Museum in Kaitaia have created a one-of-a-kind map, highlighting locations around the Far North where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed. On Waitangi Day they will host an event featuring iwi and hapu speakers and taonga worn and used during Te Tiriti signings.

On Waiheke Island, Te Whare Taonga o Waiheke – Waiheke Community Art Gallery will open Ngā Wai Tohu, a month-long community art exhibition curated by Lorna Rikihana and Sylvia Nelson. The works explore the whakataukī, Ko au te whenua, ko te whenua ko au, I am the land and the land is me. 

Tāhuna Queenstown’s Te Atamira are hosting a kōrero on what Te Tiriti means for local tauiwi and invite ideas for the design of a celestial compass for Te Atamira’s new outdoor space. Senior weaver Rokahurihia Cameron will also be demonstrating paper-making methods using harakeke whītau, flax fibre, during a free workshop (registration required). In late-May–early-June, Te Atamira will also host a community discussion on the role of the arts in upholding Te Tiriti, marking the anniversary of Te Tiriti’s signing by Ngāi Tahi representatives.

A full list of Waitangi Day events supported by Manatū Taonga is available on their website.