Registrations open to commemorate Waitangi Day in Ōamaru

Published on 30 January 2026

Partnership event between Te Rūnanga o Moeraki and Waitaki District Council to be held at Ōamaru Opera House and Waitaki Museum on Friday 6 February

Registrations have opened for the Waitangi Day commemorations to be held in Ōamaru this Waitangi Day, Friday 6 February.

A partnership between Te Rūnanga o Moeraki and Waitaki District Council will see a day of educative talks, exploring the history of our District, and fun activities for kids at the Ōamaru Opera House and the Waitaki Museum. There will also be a hangi lunch.

The day will begin at 10am with a mihi whakatau, and there will be three sessions of talks about the history of the Waitaki District by representatives from Te Rūnanga o Moeraki, before the event concludes at 3pm.

To register, contact the Waitaki District Council on 03 433 0300 or email service@waitaki.govt.nz. Attending the sessions is free, but the hangi will cost $15 per person.

Children over 5 years can attend the Tamariki sessions and be supervised, but under 5’s need an adult accompanying them.

Waitaki District Mayor Mel Tavendale said, “"We're very happy to partner with Te Rūnanga o Moeraki to commemorate the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi next Friday with a day of educative talks, exploring the history of our District, and fun activities for kids. It's also a pleasure to welcome Justin Tipa as Kaiwhakahaere of Te Rūnanga o Moeraki, Chief Executive Trevor McGlinchey, and Upoko David Higgins as well as the other speakers from Moeraki who will be sharing their knowledge with our community.

Te Tiriti is the founding document of our country, and one which we endeavour to fulfil through our partnership with mana whenua. I hope people will take the opportunity to commemorate the day through shared knowledge and partnership, by signing up to attend"

“As the official Ngāi Tahu commemorations are going to Waitangi this year, it creates an opportunity to focus on something local for us in Moeraki. We are pleased to be able to commemorate this occasion with the Waitaki community in Ōamaru”, says Justin Tipa, Kaiwhakahaere of Te Rūnanga o Moeraki.

The Rūnanga CEO, Trevor McGlinchey, said, “our whānau and staff, along with our Te Hā o Maru team, are excited by the opportunity to engage with the wider community as we co-host the Waitangi Day Event with the Waitaki District Council”.

 ENDS

If media wish to attend this event, please contact Waitaki District Council on media@waitaki.govt.nz