Waitangi Day celebrations across Horowhenua

Published on January 27, 2026

Horowhenua will come together on Friday 6 February with a range of free, family-friendly Waitangi Day events taking place across the district, giving people plenty of ways to mark the day locally with friends and whānau.

Mayor Bernie Wanden says Waitangi Day celebrations are all about connection and community. “Waitangi Day means different things to different people, and it’s important that our communities have accessible, local opportunities to come together and acknowledge the day. Whether you’re looking for a daytime family event or something in the evening, there are options across Horowhenua.”

Te Awahou Waitangi Day

In Foxton, Te Awahou Waitangi Day will take place from 10am to 1pm at Te Awahou Riverside Cultural Park (outside De Molen Windmill and Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom), offering a relaxed, family-friendly daytime event with activities, live music, with food options available on site.

“Hosting Waitangi Day at Te Awahou recognises the significance of this place and the stories it holds,” says Te Kenehi Teira from Raukawa ki te Tonga local iwi representative. “It’s an opportunity to acknowledge the past and continue conversations about where we are heading as a community.”

Muaūpoko Iwi and Community Waitangi Day Celebration

In Levin, Muaūpoko iwi will host the Muaūpoko Iwi and Community Waitangi Day Celebration at Muaūpoko Park, Lake Horowhenua, from 10am to 3pm.

“This is a day for whānau to come together, enjoy time with one another and celebrate who we are as a community,” says Reg Maynard from Muaūpoko Tribal Authority. “It is about connection, belonging and acknowledging the significance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.”

Waitangi ki Ōtauru

In the evening, Waitangi ki Ōtauru will be held from 5pm to 7.30pm at Te Maire Park in Shannon, with live music, entertainment followed by an outdoor movie. Food will be available to buy on site.

“Waitangi ki Ōtauru gives the Shannon community a simple, local way to mark the day together,” says Robert Ketu, of Ngāti Whakatere. “It’s an evening event where people can relax, connect and enjoy time with whānau and friends.”

All events are free and open to the community.

Notice of filming and photography

Attendees at this public event may be photographed or recorded by Council or our contractors, including drone footage. Images and audio-visual recordings of the event may be published for promotional activities.

More information is available on our Waitangi Day event page and on Council, iwi and local community Facebook pages.