Waitangi Day Commemorations 2024

Nau mai, haere mai.
Okains Bay Museum and whānau from Koukourarata invite you to Waitangi Day Commemorations at Kawatea on Rātū 6 Pēpuere 2024 | Okains Bay, Tuesday 6 February 2024.

A special free event to commemorate Waitangi Day in the spirit of kotahitanga (unity), with community, kai and fun

Here’s what you can expect:
9:00 am: The Museum gates open, granting you free entry to a day brimming with:

Interactive displays: Learn about the rich history and taonga of the region.
Family-friendly games and activities: Fun for all ages, keeping everyone entertained throughout the day.
Live entertainment: From Rollicking Entertainment and soloist Patrick Powdrell in the Museum’s Garden Bar and Arena spaces. Exciting, terrifying and genuinely funny – the carnival is in town!
Rollicking are your friendly neighbourhood carnies delivering delight with vintage flair and fast-paced fun, with acts that have enthralled audiences at prestigious festivals around the globe, including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Australian Circus Festival and our own World Buskers Festival.
Delicious food and treats: Fuel up on a variety of tasty options to keep your energy high.
Remember: Show your support for the Museum’s vital role in preserving national and regional treasures by bringing generous cash koha (donations). Food and drinks will be available for purchase, but feel free to bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Cash and limited Eftpos will be accepted.

9:45 am: Manuhiri/invited guests gather opposite the Old School on the Ngāi Tahu Reserve
10:00 am: Pōwhiri begins on Ngāi Tahu Reserve
10:30 am: the Governor General’s message
1:30 pm: the Kāi Tahu waka, Kōtukumairangi arrives (subject to tide)

Supported by whānau from Koukourarata, the Okains Bay Community, Okains Bay School, Okains Bay Museum, Christchurch City Council and Manatū Taonga / Ministry for Culture and Heritage.