Ko te Rā Waitangi, e tū motuhake ana ia i te 6 o Pēpuere ia tau, he rā nui i Aotearoa hei whakanuia i te hainatanga o Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Ko Ngā Whakatairanga a te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau me Te Tira Huanga o te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau, e whakaū ana i ngā mahi rongoā, kore utu me ngā mahi whānau-hōhonu i whakamaheretia mō te 2026, hei whakamānawa i tēnei rā motuhake.
Waitangi Day, commemorated annually on 6 February, is a day of profound significance in Aotearoa as it marks the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/ The Treaty of Waitangi. Auckland Council Events and Auckland Council’s Te Tira Huanga are proud to support 2026’s free and whānau-friendly activities planned throughout Tāmaki Makaurau to commemorate this special day.
More than just a public holiday, Waitangi Day is an opportunity for reflection, education and connecting with community. Aucklanders are encouraged to make the most of the free events, cultural exchanges, great atmosphere, music and delicious kai on offer at Waitangi ki Manukau (Manukau Sports Bowl), Waitangi ki Ōmaru in Glen Innes (Point England Reserve) and Waitangi@Waititi at Parrs Park (West Auckland).
Auckland Council Māori Culture and Identity Programme Lead Melz Huata-Lucas says Waitangi Day events are important for many communities in Tāmaki Makaurau and serve as an opportunity to learn the true meaning behind Te Tiriti to connect with all Aucklanders.
“He mea whakamīharo te kite i te whānuitanga o ngā kaupapa me ngā huihuinga puta noa i Tāmaki Makaurau hei whakamaumahara i tēnei rā hira o tō tātou hītori. Ko Te Rā o Waitangi he wā tino pai kia huihui te iwi, kia tūhonohono ai ngā ahurea, me te whakanui tahi i ō tātou kōrero tuku iho.”
“The Waitangi events across Tāmaki Makaurau offer the community a deeper understanding and appreciation of mana whenua perspectives and stories. The entertainment, kai and activities add value and context to the historical signings that took place on this day, creating meaningful opportunities for people to connect, learn, and reflect together.”
Councillor Julie Fairey, Chair of the council’s Community Committee, adds: "Waitangi Day gives all of us an opportunity to reflect on our connection to Aotearoa New Zealand, as tangata whenua over hundreds of years, and as tangata tiriti since 1840."
“Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is a diverse city, with folks from all over the country and the world, and these vibrant events are a great chance to connect with our history and with each other.”
Waitangi Day 6 February 2026 line up in Tāmaki Makaurau
Waitangi Ki Manukau at Te Pae o Manukau (Manukau Sports Bowl)
For over 20 years, Waitangi ki Manukau has been offering a safe and welcoming space for Aucklanders to commemorate Waitangi Day and explore its historic and cultural significance. Once again this year, a fun and whānau-friendly atmosphere awaits at Manukau Sports Bowl on Waitangi Day, bringing you the best of Southside with a variety of fun activities and entertainment, epic headliners and supporting acts. The stellar line-up of musicians includes Sid Diamond, J-Hu$tle, Sweet & Irie, Lopz & The Rastaz and Vibe City Band.
Waitangi ki Ōmaru in Glen Innes (Point England Reserve)
Head to Ōmaru Recreational Reserve for a mix of great music, food trucks, water activations, arts and crafts, Waka Ama, Ki-o-Rahi and Te Tiriti activities. PLUS enjoy cultural performances across the day!
Waitangi@Waititi
For more family fun, head out to West Auckland’s Parrs Park for Waitangi@Waititi, courtesy of Waipareira Investments Limited. From 11am to 3pm, experience exciting cultural displays, a welcoming community, a huge kai and craft stallholder village and Waipareira activation spaces throughout the day.
Plus, don’t miss out on epic performances by Tomorrow People, Sammy Jonson, Three Houses Down & General Fiyah, Hamo Dell, IllumiNGĀTI, Smashproof, Jordyn with a Why and IDCO.
Vector Lights for Waitangi Day
Honour Waitangi Day all week long with Vector Lights on the Auckland Harbour Bridge. The dynamic light and sound show designed by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei celebrates the many tūpuna who laid a strong foundation for their descendants, creating a legacy and everlasting connection to their whenua, their moana and to each other.
Accompanied by the waiata 'Maunga' by siblings Majic Pāora and Robbie Pāora Vector Lights for Waitangi Day will play from Friday 30 January to Sunday 8 February, 9pm until midnight, every 15 minutes. Head to vector.co.nz/lights to listen live, or to watch the livestream recording.
Here’s a tip: grab a picnic and your paraikete (blanket) and watch the show from some of the best viewing spots like Silo Park, Westhaven Marina, Little Shoal Bay, Bayswater Marina, Takarunga Mt Victoria, or Maungawhau Mt Eden. Vector Lights is part of a smart energy partnership between Vector, Auckland Council and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.
For more info, visit ourauckland.nz/waitangi-day