Following this collective discussion, agreement has been reached that the 2026 Waitangi Day Dawn Service will proceed as planned.
There is a strong acknowledgement that community events, such as the Waitangi Day Dawn Service, play an important role in bringing people together in challenging times.
The Waitangi Day Dawn Service has been observed for more than 50 years. For over a decade, Tauranga Moana has gathered at Hopukiore (Mount Drury) at dawn for this free, family-friendly service - a tradition that will continue.
The Tauranga Moana Waitangi Day Dawn Service organising committee warmly invites the community to attend the 2026 Tauranga Moana Waitangi Day Dawn Service at Hopukiore on Friday, 6 February. Attendees are welcome to gather from 6am.
The Dawn Service begins at 6:30am with a whakatau (welcome) from tangata whenua and includes speeches from local kaumātua (elders), civic leaders, rangatahi, and cultural performances.
Speakers will explore the meaning of Te Tiriti today, the importance of honouring its spirit, and a shared vision for a thriving, Tiriti-based Tauranga Moana.
This special occasion brings iwi/hapū, civic and church leaders, and the wider community together in the spirit of whakawhanaungatanga (relationships and collaboration) and manaakitanga (care and respect), to reflect on the past, and to look forward with a renewed commitment to partnership and kotahitanga (unity).
People are advised to arrive early, dress warmly, and bring a blanket or low camping chair to sit on.
The service will conclude with a karakia around 8am.
Road closures
Road closures will be in place on Friday, 6 February from 5am until 9am on Marine Parade from Grace Avenue to Pacific Avenue.
Accessible parking
Parking will be available for mobility card holders, kaumatua, elderly, and other dignitaries on Marine Parade, within the road closure area. Please access the accessible parking area via Pacific Avenue between 5am and 6.30am, before the service starts. The area will be locked from 6.30am until the end of the service at 8am.
Tauranga Moana Waitangi Day Dawn Service organising committee
Tauranga City Council is proud to stand alongside tangata whenua to ensure this important day is commemorated every year.
Council works as part of the Tauranga Moana Waitangi Day organising committee, alongside the Whareroa Marae Committee, Ngai Tukairangi, Māori Wardens, Te Kohinga Network, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Bay of Plenty Regional Council and the Tauranga Church Community.
The organising committee receives funding from the Ministry of Culture and Heritage, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Western Bay of Plenty District Council and Tauranga City Council to support the dawn service.
Details:
Tauranga Moana Waitangi Day Dawn Service
- 6.30am – 8am (attendees welcome to gather from 6am)
- Friday, 6 February 2026
- Hopukiore (Mount Drury Reserve), 25 Pacific Avenue, Mount Maunganui
- More info: www.tauranga.govt.nz/waitangi-day