Waitangi wrap: Speeches, celebrations and heckling

Waitangi week 2026 in pictures

This week marked 186 years since the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/the Treaty of Waitangi. Every year, Waitangi hosts several days of commemorations and celebrations, welcoming diplomatic visitors, representatives from local government, the legal system and, of course, the politicians. Waitangi Day itself is different, and separate. The politics are put aside (in theory). A dawn ceremony is held at both the upper and lower marae. Up top, the m…

Waitangi wrap: Speeches, celebrations and heckling

A day of formalities has come to a close following several speeches and fiery crowd.