22 February, 2026

Dawn blessing opens commemorations

New dawn… Several dozen people at an early blessing on Takapuna Beach

A low-key Waitangi Day community gathering with mana whenua and invited guests was again held from dawn, with the Takapuna Boating Club hosting guests afterwards. 
The public had the chance to take a seat in a waka and try the club’s watercraft. A new touch was the temporary addition of carved sculptures on the beach, put in place by Lake House Arts.
The Takapuna arts organisation and its master carver Natanahira Pona (pictured, below) were active later in the day at a new North Shore activity for Waitangi Day. Called Summer Vibes, this was held at Eventfinda stadium in conjunction with Awataha Marae and included carving demonstrations, stalls and music.
The Lake House said it had received inquiries about whether it was holding celebrations of its own, but had instead decided to join with other groups to help build on a North Shore approach to events.  
Boating club president Barry Ward was among those up early, as was new Tamaki Makaurau MP Oriini Kaipara. Other attendees included North Shore MP Simon Watts.

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