It’s nearly here!
Waitangi Day 2021 is approaching rapidly, so it’s almost time to celebrate the national day of New Zealand in style. If you’re stuck for ideas on what to over the long weekend, no sweat. There’s plenty going on in Auckland that you can partake in to celebrate Waitangi Day. This year marks 181 years since the treaty of Waitangi was signed on 6 February, 1840. [Featured Image: Partha Narasimhan, Unsplash].
Despite some large scale events, such as Ngāti Whatua Ōrākei cancelling Waitangi day celebrations, there are still plenty of fun, family-friendly activities to partake in over the weekend. Remember, be sure to keep an eye on event pages and follow any Covid-19 protocols that are implemented.
Have a great Waitangi Day weekend, Aucklanders!
1. Head to Postie’s Waitangi Day Bash
This annual event over at The Postman’s Leg is free and perfect for the whole family to enjoy a day out. You’ll be treated to live music, special drinks, bouncy castles and more! Get down to The Postman’s Leg pub for when it kicks off at 1pm on Saturday.
2. Catch the Freddy Reynold & Jarna live Performance
This is here on February to showcase some of the best local artists around Auckland. You’ll find the special free live show over at Māngere Arts Centre. It’s headline by Freddy Reynold and Jarna, after being opened by Takunda, Juju Lipps & Rehua.
3. Witness Some Free Wonderful Spoken Word Poetry
This Waitangi Day you can witness some award-winning spoken-poetry. Ngā Hinepūkōrero are four wāhine Māori who have been winning Grand Slam events across Australasia since 2018, and you’ll be able to watch them over at Auckland Art Gallery.
4. Watch some live stand-up comedy
This is the perfect Sunday evening event for Waitangi weekend. Mainly because of the public holiday the following Monday, meaning you can get a bit merry and have lie-in. Over at the Tiny Theatre, you can join in with the barrel of laughs with over 10 comedians performing on the night. Head to the Garnet Station website for details.
5. Go to The Extravaganza Fair
Over at the Green bay, a family-friendly extravaganza is about to go down on Waitangi day. It’s on from Saturday 6 -Monday 8 February so you have the whole long weekend to enjoy the festivities here. You’ll find a whole host of unique market stalls, food stands, arts and crafts, live entertainment, kids games including tug of war, and so much more!