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More than 2,500 people gathered at Te Puia on Waitangi Day, with locals and visitors filling the Rotowhio marae ātea for a full day of cultural activity, education and whānau-focused events.
Attendees travelled from across the North Island, including Auckland, Tauranga, Napier and Hamilton, alongside international visitors keen to learn more about Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Māori culture.
The programme included cultural performances, Te Tiriti o Waitangi wānanga, geothermal train rides past Pōhutu Geyser, a taonga market, kai stalls, bouncy castles, and live demonstrations by carvers and weavers from the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute.
Fourteen-year-old Harriet Wright attended with her family and said the atmosphere stood out.
“It’s been super cool — the whole vibe is really uplifting and welcoming,” she says. “Seeing the carvers and weavers working, and going through the geothermal valley, was almost other-worldly.”
Te Puia general manager of visitor experience Denise Emery says Waitangi Day reflects the institute’s founding purpose.
“What’s unique to us is that we were established to ensure Māori culture, arts and crafts are perpetuated for future generations,” Denise says. “Having our artists here sharing their mahi with tamariki is exactly what we’ve been delivering for the past 60 years.”
The event also featured Te Tiriti o Waitangi wānanga led by Tohunga Te Waata Cribb, which drew strong crowds throughout the day.
Acting general manager Ranginui Rikirangi-Thomas says the day is about connection and education.
“It’s not just a public holiday — it’s an opportunity to bring people together and help both New Zealanders and manuhiri understand the significance of this day in our history,” Ranginui says.
Te Puia operates under the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute Vesting Act 2020, which includes a mandate to promote and protect ahurea and toi Māori — a role the organisation says sits at the heart of its annual Waitangi Day programme.
