Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has shared his plans for this year’s Waitangi Day, and it’s set to be a bit different from the usual northern celebrations. Instead of heading to Waitangi in Northland, Luxon will be marking the occasion with Ngāi Tahu at Ōnuku marae near Akaroa on the South Island.
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Luxon first announced this change in December, explaining that he wanted to experience Waitangi Day in various parts of the country rather than sticking to the traditional spot every year.
In a heartfelt statement, the Prime Minister shared why Akaroa holds a special place in his heart. “Akaroa is very dear to me,” he said. “It was a place I used to tear around with my brothers during the long, hot Canterbury summers. My children learned to swim under the Nor’West arch, and I remember thinking back then how incredibly lucky we were to grow up in New Zealand.”
His words paint a nostalgic picture of family summers by the sea and a deep appreciation for the beauty and community of New Zealand’s South Island. It sounds like Waitangi Day will be not just a formal celebration but also a personal homecoming for Luxon this year.
Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro will also be joining Luxon at Ōnuku marae. Her attendance highlights the significance of this gathering in Canterbury and shows a growing interest in celebrating Waitangi Day across regions rather than keeping it centered solely in Northland.
By shifting the location of his Waitangi Day commemorations, Luxon is signaling a more inclusive approach to how the day is celebrated nationwide. It’ll be interesting to see how this resonates with Kiwis and whether it encourages more regional celebrations in the future.
What are your thoughts? Should Waitangi Day move around more often, or is it important to keep it rooted in Waitangi, Northland?