The Marlborough community is being asked to reflect on what Waitangi Day means to them and use their thoughts to inspire a piece of artwork worthy of public display.

Council Kaitohutohu, Hononga ā Iwi – Advisor, Iwi Relationships, Ruihana Smith said selected artworks would be printed on a series of banners to be displayed throughout Marlborough leading up to Waitangi Day on 6 February 2026.

“Waitangi Day is our national day, acknowledging the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, our foundational document that affirms tino rangitiratanga and Crown governance,” he said.

“It’s a time to reflect on Te Tiriti and what it means for us today. Inviting our community to share their ideas through artwork is a creative and inspiring way to hear directly from them about what the day means to them.”

Banners would be displayed in Wairau (Blenheim), Waitohi (Picton), Awatere (Seddon) and Motuweka (Havelock) to inspire others to think about the significance of Waitangi Day not only for the history of Aotearoa, but for the way it is today.

Anyone can submit their design - the only requirement is that it aligns with the theme, ‘What does Waitangi mean to you, your whānau and your community?’.

Artwork should be submitted in a digital, print-ready format by 30 September, to https://links.marlborough.govt.nz/Waitangi-Banners. Banner dimensions are 950mm wide and 1750mm long.

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