Support For Community Events To Commemorate Waitangi Day 2026

Funding has been provided to 29 community events across New Zealand to commemorate Waitangi Day in 2026.

The Commemorating Waitangi Day Fund, administered by Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage, supports events that bring New Zealanders together on our national day to recognise and reflect on our national identity, including the Treaty of Waitangi and its signing. The Fund aims to increase awareness and understanding of the Treaty through celebrations and local storytelling.

This is a day that should be commemorated not only at Waitangi where the Treaty was first signed on 6 February 1840, but throughout the country - recognising that the Treaty itself travelled across our country.

"This year the Fund is supporting Waitangi Day community events across the motu - from the Hokianga to the Chatham Islands and down to Queenstown," says Leauanae Laulu Mac Leauanae, Secretary for Culture and Heritage.

"These events provide an opportunity for communities to come together, reflect on our shared history, learn about local stories, and recognise the enduring partnership between the Crown and Māori.

"This year’s funded events include Te Puna Ora o Mataatua Charitable Trust’s immersive multimedia projection of art, dance, song, and animation over the Ōhinemataroa (Whakatāne) river and surrounding hills.

"In Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, HOPE (Humanitarian Organization for Poverty Eradication) is hosting a multicultural community event uniting Māori, refugees, migrants, and locals to commemorate Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

"While the Mana Tāhuna Charitable Trust, in partnership with Queenstown Lakes District Council, is transforming Te Kararo Queenstown Gardens into a festival of waiata, kapa haka, musical performance, and education.

"A big thanks to all event organisers and volunteers for bringing their communities together to mark this special day," says Leauanae.

Details of all 29 funded events are available on the Ministry for Culture and Heritage website.

Waitangi Day Fund: 2026 Successful Applicants (mch.govt.nz) https://www.mch.govt.nz/publications/waitangi-day-fund-2026-successful-applicants

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