Pōneke’s Waitangi Park will host two major events next week, celebrating the city’s diversity with Te Rā o Waitangi and Wellington Pasifika Festival providing entertainment and activities for all to enjoy.

On Friday 6 February, Te Rā o Waitangi | Waitangi Day is a free, whānau-friendly event to commemorate the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Aotearoa New Zealand’s national day.

Experience live performances from tangata whenua and tangata tiriti talent, arts and crafts, a Kids’ Zone, kite making, a Treaty education space, and kai stalls, including a hangi from midday.

The free Te Tiriti and Me Theatre Roadshow ‘He Māori?’ by Īhaka Martyn and Taki Rua Productions will also be touring three locations on Waitangi Day.

More information and full programme at wellington.govt.nz/waitangi

“It’s great to have a day to reflect on and celebrate the aspiration in our founding document, and even better when we can come together with others in our community,” says Mayor Andrew Little.

“And following our national day celebrations with a celebration of our Pacific peoples highlights a very important part of Wellington’s diverse communities and our special links with our Pacific neighbourhood.”

On Saturday 7 February, experience the sights, sounds, and flavours of the Pacific with the annual Wellington Pasifika Festival.

This year’s theme of ‘Arrival’ celebrates and welcomes Pasifika communities who have made Aotearoa their home.

Bring friends and whānau and experience the richness of our Pacific culture, from art and language, to performance, food and children’s activities. Enjoy a festival experience based on the card game ‘Lalaga’, designed by Torisse Lalau, and see the final stone carving by artist Leo Semau that has been taking shape since the 2024 festival.

The event starts with a special opening ceremony at 11.30am near Chaffers Marina beach, a first of its kind for the Wellington Pasifika Festival to celebrate the ‘Arrival’ theme.

Experience the magic of the Atafu Tokelau Vaka arriving from across the moana, a welcoming ceremony curated by The Conch and performed by some of the main stage acts, and a special procession from the beach to Waitangi Park.

Following on from a successful pilot programme in 2025, Council’s Étū rere pā‘ata - The Shooting Star Programme is back as part of the Wellington Pasifika Festival, and proudly presents an original theatre production, Taula (Anchor). The show is performed by emerging and aspiring rangatahi actors, and features themes of identity and belonging.

More information and full programme at wellington.govt.nz/pasifika

Waitangi Day

Āhea | When 12pm noon - 6pm, Friday 6 February 2026
Ki hea | Where Waitangi Park, Wellington Waterfront 
Te utu | Cost Free

Theatre Roadshow: He Māori?

Āhea | When Friday 6 February 2026 (see times and locations below)
Ki hea | Where Tawa Community Centre | Khandallah Community Centre | The Hannah Playhouse 
Te utu | Cost Free, bookings required. Find booking links on our website.

Wellington Pasifika Festival

Āhea | When 12 noon–6pm, Saturday 7 February 2026
Ki hea | Where Waitangi Park, Wellington waterfront 
Te utu | Cost Free

NB: Opening ceremony 11.30am Saturday 7 February, Chaffers Marina beach

Shooting Star programme: Taula (Anchor)

Āhea | When 7pm-8.10pm, Saturday 7 February 2026
Ki hea | Where The Hannah Playhouse
Te utu | Cost Free, bookings required

With Waitangi Day a public holiday there are some small changes to Wellington City Council’s services and facilities on Friday 6 February.

• Council’s Rubbish and Recycling collection service will operate as per usual. If your rubbish is collected by a private operator, contact them directly for information on public holiday collections.
• On-street metered parking is free around Wellington City on Waitangi Day.
• Clifton and Tory Street car parks – weekend rates apply on public holidays.
• Wellington City Libraries are closed on all public holidays.
• Recreation centres and swimming pools are open on Waitangi Day but some may have reduced hours.
• Harbourside Market will be open Sunday as per usual.
• Toi Pōneke Arts Centre is closed on public holidays.

Visit the Council’s holiday hours for more information about all services and facilities during the holiday period: wellington.govt.nz/holiday-hours.

For more information on Wellington City Council’s facility hours, services and events, you can get in touch with our Contact Centre 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year on 04 499 4444 or email info@wcc.govt.nz. Visit wellington.govt.nz or keep an eye on our Facebook page facebook.com/wellingtoncitycouncil.

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