It’s shaping up to be a cracker Waitangi weekend in Porirua, with a feast of rugby action to supplement the exciting Waitangi Day activities.

Waitangi Day - Friday 6 February

The national day commemorations in Porirua always have a list of things to suit the whānau. From 12-5pm at Te Rauparaha Park, inside Te Rauparaha Arena and Pātaka Art + Museum, and on Te Awarua o Porirua Harbour, you have the option of doing, or just relaxing.

On the main stage on the park, Sons of Zion are the headliners, but a number of acts, including homegrown talent, will entertain the crowd. Other acts include Benjamin Makisi, Aotea College kapa haka, Lisa Tomlins, Te Kura Māori o Porirua, and more.

Fill the puku with tasty options from the food trucks - the vendors have a zero waste kaupapa, so visitors are encouraged to bring their own reusable cups and containers - and check out the selection of artisan market stalls.

The fun continues inside the Arena and Pātaka, with lots of free activities for tamariki and art and history to discover.

The ever-popular waka tours on the harbour, hosted by Toa Waka Ama, will be on once again, so be sure to check those out, especially if you’ve never ventured out on the water before.

Porirua Mayor Anita Baker says the thousands that come to Waitangi Day in Porirua have plenty of activities, entertainment and kai to get stuck into.

"Many visitors come from outside Porirua, which is wonderful," she says.

"The range of what’s going on is outstanding and I love seeing all the families out enjoying what’s on offer. It’s what the day is about."

For the comfort of all, Porirua’s Waitangi Day event is alcohol-free, smoke/vape-free, and no dogs are allowed.

Hurricanes v Chiefs - Saturday 7 February

Meanwhile, the Hurricanes will have their final pre-season match against the Chiefs a day later at Porirua Park, kicking off at 1pm. It promises to be a fantastic match, as both teams’ coaches look to finalise their teams in advance of the brand new Super Rugby Pacific season.

To celebrate the Canes, fans will be able to attend an opening training session on Thursday 5 February, as well as a captain’s run on Waitangi Day - both at Porirua Park. More details to come, so keep an eye on the Council and Hurricanes social media.

Hurricanes midfielder and Porirua local, Riley Higgins, says he’s excited to play on Porirua Park.

"It’s special to play in a community like Porirua and we know the fans will be there in full force. We can’t wait to see everyone there and mix and mingle after the game."

Tickets for the match cost just $10 for adults and $5 for children (with a processing fee) and can be bought at hurricanes.flicket.co.nz or at the gate.

On the day of the match, a shuttle will run people for free from Kai Tahi in Porirua city centre from 11.30am onwards (doors open at Porirua Park at 11.45am). Have your pre- and post-match experience at Kai Tahi and get into the yummy food and drink offerings they have.

A shuttle bus will also make runs from the Porirua train station carpark to Porirua Park, for people using public transport or parking at the station.

If you are looking to head to Waitangi Day, Kai Tahi or Porirua Park over those days, please consider walking, scooting or biking, or using public transport.

On weekends and public holidays, parking is free in the city, although there will be fewer available parks due to event road closures. Visitors are encouraged to catch public transport Porirua and make the five-minute walk around the waterfront for the Waitangi Day action. Some mobility parking spaces will be available at Te Rauparaha Arena.

Please plan your journey to give yourself plenty of time. Car parking is likely to be available on Porirua Park number 3 and 4 grounds for the rugby, depending on the state of the grass there.

Find everything you need to know on our webpage poriruacity.govt.nz/waitangi-day

Details:

Waitangi Day:

6 February - 12-5pm, Te Rauparaha Park, Arena, Pātaka, Te Awarua o Porirua Harbour

Hurricanes:

5 February - open training session and fan event, time TBC
6 February - captain’s run, time TBC
7 February - match day with gates opening 11.45am, match kick off 1pm

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