Waitangi Day

Published on 01 February 2019

A full stage program, arts and craft stalls, food stalls and numerous activities will keep you entertained as you splash your day away at Mount Druitt Swimming Centre to celebrate Waitangi Day.

Blacktown City Council will again be hosting a Waitiangi Day Festival in conjunction with the Maori Wardens Association Australia.

Waitangi Day, named after Waitangi where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, is a significant day in the history of New Zealand.

“This year marks the 178th anniversary of the 6 February signing of the Treaty of Waitangi,” Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said.

“Waitangi Day presents an opportunity to reflect on the agreement made between the Maori chiefs of New Zealand and the British Crown and commemorates the signing of New Zealand's founding document.”

A traditional Waitangi Day ceremony will be held early in the morning at the Pou in the South Sea Islands Garden, at Nurragingy Reserve in Doonside. The Maori ceremony invokes spiritual guidance and protection ahead of the festival.

“Blacktown City is home to 360,000 people, with more than 3,500 people having Maori background,” Mayor Bali said.

“I encourage everyone to come along to the festival for the array of performances and activities at the Mount Druitt Swimming Centre.

“Performers and entertainers will highlight aspects of Maori culture, arts and cuisine during the day and the band Out of Salem will play classic hits.”

Event information: What: Waitangi Day festival When: 9 am – 5.30 pm When: Saturday, 9 February Where: Mount Druitt Swimming Centre, 7 Mount Street, Mount Druitt