Waitangi Day

Published on 06 February 2020

Blacktown City Council has hosted a Waitangi Day Ceremony and will host a Waitangi 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.

A traditional Waitangi Day ceremony was held on Thursday morning at the Pou in the South Sea Islands Garden, in Nurragingy Reserve in Doonside. The Maori ceremony invoked spiritual guidance and protection.

“This year marks the 179th anniversary of the 6 February signing of the Treaty of Waitangi,” Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM 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.”

The ceremony will comprise a Karakia service and will include ritual chants to invoke spiritual guidance and protection. The ceremony will be followed by a small sampling and taste of Maori food arranged by the Maori Wardens. Approximately 40 students, staff and parents from Blacktown North Public School will also attend.

“Blacktown City is home to 395,000 people, with more than 3,500 people having Maori background,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

The Waitangi Festival, consisting of a full stage program, arts and craft stalls, food stalls and numerous activities will be held at Mount Druitt Swimming Centre on Saturday.

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

Event information: Waitangia Festival What: Waitangi Day festival When: 9 am – 5.30 pm (Speeches and ceremony from 9.30am – 10.30am) When: Saturday, 8 February Where: Mount Druitt Swimming Centre, 7 Mount Street, Mount Druitt

 Image: Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM at the Waitangi Day ceremony