When

Thu 06 Feb 2025
09:30 am - 02:00 pm

Location

Queenstown Library
10 Gorge Road
Queenstown

Admission

Free

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) and Kāi Tahu Papatipu Rūnaka e Whitu are hosting the Waitangi Day commemoration in Tāhuna Queenstown on 6 February 2025 and extend a warm invitation to all.

Queenstown Lakes residents are invited to join Kāi Tahu and QLDC as ‘hau kāinga’ (home people) and welcome our manuhiri (visitors) from outside of the district.

This event is kindly supported by Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage, Community Trust South, Otago Regional Council and other Southland and Otago councils

Event programme

The official ceremony will be led by Kāi Tahu, joined by Mayor Glyn Lewers, commemorating the Treaty’s 185-year legacy.

  • 9.45am – 10.45am: Pōwhiri
  • 10.45am – 1.00pm: Kapa haka and onstage performances
  • 1.00pm – 2.00pm: Speakers (to be confirmed)

What to expect

Following the formalities, we welcome the community to enjoy kai through our wonderful local food trucks or a picnic brought from home. There will be kapa haka and music performances along with community stalls hosted by:

  • Down South Whakairo - Māori Arts and Crafts
  • Kahu Youth Trust with games and resource info
  • Te Tapu o Tāne - Integrated Solutions For Regenerative Landscapes
  • Queenstown Lakes District Council Libraries with Welcoming Communities
  • Uruuruwhenua Health Inc. with rongoā practitioners

Bring your:

  • family and friends
  • picnic basket or enjoy kai from our wonderful local food trucks
  • picnic blanket or chair to sit on, your sunhat and sun block

We kindly request no pets at the event except for guide dogs.

Please note this is an alcohol-free event.

Transport and Parking

All Queenstown regular bus services will be free from 8.00am to 4.00pm (this includes the Arrowtown service). 

Driving in? Check out the QLDC website for parking options.

Note that there is a temporary carpark on Queenstown’s Stanley Street providing approximately 54 spaces for use until after Waitangi weekend in 2025 at $3.10 per hour.