Events jointly organised by Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki and the Dunedin City Council will be held tomorrow, marking the first signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840.
A free whānau festival on the Dunedin Botanic Garden’s Rotunda Lawn will run from 11am until 1pm, with a programme of kapa haka, live music and kai.
Free limited waka tours and guided walks in Karitāne, guided by mana whenua, were fully booked, with a waitlist by Tuesday afternoon.
Rūnaka manager Suzanne Ellison said Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki was looking forward to the commemorations.
Other interactive experiences, such as weaving, would be on offer by the rūnaka during the morning at the Eastern Boating and Fishing Club in Karitāne.
"We are hoping for fine weather for the planned events at the botanic gardens and Karitāne," Ms Ellison said.
The rūnaka would also mark Waitangi Day by delivering a koha of a native plant to local residents, she said.
"Native plants and seedlings will also be available from the Rūnaka Native Plant Nursery, giving community members the opportunity to plant a native shrub or tree to commemorate Waitangi Day."
Council arts, culture and economic development general manager Mike Costelloe said the approach demonstrated a strong commitment to commemorating the Treaty while "encouraging meaningful engagement with local history, culture and community".
"Waitangi Day is a time for remembrance, kōrero and coming together — acknowledging our shared history and the ongoing commitments of Te Tiriti o Waitangi," Mr Costelloe said.
The event has support from Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage.
