Join us live for Waitangi Day 2025, showcasing the dawn service at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in the early morning.
Later, once the sun has risen we will witness the waka parade.
It has been a busy few days at Te Papa Whenua o Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
On Monday, Hundreds of manuhiri were welcomed onto Te Tiriti o Waitangi marae for the reopening of its wharenui.
Karakia, takutaku, and waerea were recited at Tau Rangatira to kick off the morning, with Ngāti Whātua, Taranaki, and others invited to participate.
Day two saw the Kiingitanga arrive at the Treaty Grounds marking the first Waitangi celebration attended by Te Arikinui Kuini Ngā Wai Hono i te Pō since becoming the new Kuini, following the passing of her late father, Kiingi Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII, in late August last year.
On Wednesday, members of Parliament were welcomed onto the marae at the Treaty Grounds. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was absent but his coalition partners were present.
There was a ‘pōhuri’ (a wordplay on pōhiri) where people turned their backs against the coalition government in protest, including pae members during David Seymour’s speech. Aperahama Edwards took away Seymour’s microphone and it was returned by respected elder of Ngāti Hine, Waihoroi Shortland.
Today, Luxon is expected to address the nation at 10:30 AM from Akaroa, where he is being hosted by Ngāi Tahu.
8 AM
Newsbreak coverage of the events around the Waitangi Treaty Grounds begins, presented by Te Ao Māori News in partnership with Aukaha News, Tahu News, Te Reo o te Uru, and our affiliated iwi stations.
To continue watching Te Māngai Pāho coverage and Waitangi programming, tune in to Māori+.
7.55 AM
Ngā waka preparing for 8:30 AM Waka Parade in front of Te Tiriti O Waitangi Marae.
7 AM
Voice Australia finalist and Moana reo Māori voice actress Jaedyn Randell performed the national anthem as the sun began to rise in the early morning.
6.18 AM
Politicians speak at the Waitangi Day Dawn Ceremony during karakia.
Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins, Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick, National MP Shane Reti, and Act Leader David Seymour spoke.
6.06 AM
Te Aroha Rountree, President of the Methodist Church of Aotearoa New Zealand, likened the recent Treaty Principles Bill to a divorce between a couple.
“To renegotiate the terms of a marriage, usually requires both spouses to be at the tēpu, but it seems our spouse - the Crown - has filed for divorce while we were blissfully unaware,” she said in front of the creator of the bill, David seymour.
5.38 AM
Watch as hundreds at the Waitangi Day Dawn Ceremony perform ‘Tuhia’ following the first karakia.
5.00 AM
The official Waitangi Day Dawn Karakia has begun.
4.50 AM
Ata mārie, nau mai ki ngā kōrero arorangi o te wā atu i Te Papa Whenua o Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Follow us here with live updates as we bring you coverage from Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
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