Community Unity Shines at Waitangi Day Celebrations in Palmerston North

Hundreds gathered in Palmerston North on February 3, 2024, for vibrant Waitangi Day celebrations, showcasing the strength of community and the talents of local rangatahi. The event took place at Te Marae o Hine / The Square, where diverse cultural performances and traditional kai delighted attendees. Guest speaker Bonnie Kuru, a Māori ward councillor, emphasized the significance of unity among the city’s residents, referring to the gathering as “Te Tiriti in action.”

Kuru looked out over the crowd, which included families from various backgrounds, and drew parallels between teamwork in sports and the supportive nature of Palmerston North’s community. “You might be Pākehā, Māori, orange, green, yellow, red, whatever that looks like. In our teams, when people fall down, we pick each other up,” she stated. Her words resonated deeply with attendees, highlighting the city’s commitment to caring for one another.

During her address, Kuru remarked on the historical importance of Māori chefs signing He Whakaputanga (Declaration of Independence) in 1835, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi in 1840, which she described as a vital blueprint for New Zealand’s future. She encouraged the younger generation, noting that today’s rangatahi have the potential to be “movers and shakers” in the Māori community.

“My children were brought up in kura kaupapa [Māori immersion], so they have had a completely different experience to me growing up,” Kuru shared. “It makes me feel good every day to think that our children have got that opportunity in Palmerston North, which was one of the first places to have kohanga reo.”

As young children flocked to the bouncy castles, the crowd enjoyed lively performances from artists such as Fran Kora, Hoani Matenga, Te KuraHuia, and Rhythmik Fusion. The atmosphere was filled with joy and celebration, reflecting the spirit of Waitangi Day.

Among the attendees were Jordan Wilson and Paige Kimura, who traveled from Foxton to experience the festivities for the first time. When asked what Waitangi Day represented for them, Kimura humorously replied, “I’m just here for the food,” while Wilson expressed that it was about love and acknowledgment of Māori culture.

International visitors also took part in the celebrations. Swiss couple Andres and Christine Gygax were experiencing their first Waitangi event during their two-month visit to New Zealand. They were introduced to the day’s significance by a local farmer and enjoyed the food and performances, though they noted, “the language, we don’t understand.”

In addition to the festivities in Palmerston North, a Waitangi celebration took place at Muaupoko Park in Levin, which had recently reopened after a 14-month closure following the death of Robert Nattie Albert in October 2024. This event honored the signing of Te Tiriti and marked a hopeful new chapter for the park and nearby Lake Horowhenua.

The Waitangi Day celebrations in Palmerston North successfully united individuals from various backgrounds, fostering a sense of community and cultural pride. As attendees left the event, many carried with them a renewed appreciation for the importance of partnership and inclusivity in their city.