What does Waitangi Day - Te Rā o Waitangi mean to you? More than just a public holiday, a chance to participate in a festival, or is it an opportunity to discover Te Rā o Waitangi’s importance in our country’s past and its place in the present and future.

In the past, Te Manawhenua Forum (TMF) have recognized Te Rā o Waitangi in the Matamata-Piako community with a festival style event, live music, a delicious hangi, prepared by local Iwi and free access to one of our Swim Zone pools.

After the 2018 Te Rā o Waitangi event in Morrinsville, members of the TMF discussed its effectiveness at educating the community about the significance of Te Rā o Waitangi? They thought there are better ways to really highlight the importance of our country's national day, and have decided not to hold a public event in 2021.  

In an effort to understand just how the community feels about the poignant day, this year, we asked members of the Matamata-Piako community – 'Why should we care about Te Rā o Waitangi?' 

Te Rā o Waitangi, the national day of New Zealand, marks the anniversary of the initial signing – on 6 February 1840 – of the Treaty of Waitangi, which is regarded as the founding document of the nation. Worth a bit more than just a free swim? We think so.

We posted the videos on our Facebook page througout Waitangi Day and are working with TMF members on what they would like to do for Waitangi Day in 2022.