Commemorating Waitangi Day at Waikato Museum
3 February 2022
Waikato Museum is hosting free activities as part of commemorations to mark Waitangi Day and the importance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
The annual event has been scaled back considerably in comparison to previous years due to current Covid-19 guidelines.
Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in te ao Maaori (the Maaori world view) by enjoying our permanent displays including the majestic Te Winika a 200-year-old carved waka taua (war canoe), and touring exhibitions such as the Kiingi Tuheitia Portraiture Award which provides emerging Maaori artists with the opportunity to showcase their talents on the national stage.
Waikato Museum is also pleased to partner with Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision for a screening of Huinga Waka: A Gathering of Waka. This special video compilation of historical footage will be shown on loop on the big screen next to our marae throughout the weekend (Friday 4 to Monday 7 February 2022).
For families who like to get crafty, we have a Waitangi Day activity kit filled with crafts and resources from Te Papa. The free kits are best suited to primary school aged children and available for whaanau to take home from Friday, while supplies last.
On Sunday 6 February there will be demonstrations by members of renowned weaving group Te Roopu Aroha Ki Te Raranga as they use traditional techniques to transform harakeke (flax) into woven creations.
Taking care of our community
At the 'Red' level of New Zealand's COVID-19 Protection Framework (traffic light settings) Waikato Museum is open at our usual hours from 10am to 5pm daily.
- Show proof of vaccination
- Use QR code on entry
- Wear a mask
- Give space to others
‘My Vaccine Pass’ is a condition of entry at Hamilton City Council facilities, including Waikato Museum and ArtsPost, for people aged 12 years and older. All our staff are vaccinated and we’re following the Government guidelines to stay safe.
While visiting, you need to wear a mask and maintain physical distance from people in other household bubbles. Wearing a mask is a condition of entry at Waikato Museum and ArtsPost as Government requirements make it mandatory for visitors and staff to wear a face covering in public areas. If you have a health-related exemption, please let our staff know and make sure you have the documentation with you.
Visitors are asked to scan our QR code when they enter, or provide their name and contact details via the paper-based register. It is a Government requirement that you keep a record of where you have been (at all alert levels) so contact tracing can happen quickly in the event of a Covid-19 outbreak. This is to keep you, your whaanau, and our community safe.