The opening of the new Museum of Waitangi and a citizenship ceremony at Government House in Auckland are two of the events featured in the Governor-General’s Waitangi programme this year.
The Governor- General, Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae and Lady Janine Mateparae will begin the week’s engagements in Northland, hosting a dinner for the Chief of Navy in Kerikeri on Wednesday 3 February.
The next morning (Thursday 4 February) they will make their traditional visit to Te Tii Marae, with a reception on the HMNZS Wellington, hosted by the Chief of Navy, scheduled for that evening.
On Friday 5 February, the focus turns to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, with Sir Jerry and Lady Janine attending a morning tea for the Diplomatic Corps. Later that day they will return to the Treaty site with Sir Jerry officiating at the official opening of the new Museum of Waitangi and then serving as Reviewing Officer at the Beat Retreat and Sunset ceremony.
Waitangi Day itself (Saturday 6 February) will be marked at Government House in Auckland this year with a citizenship ceremony, followed by the traditional Bledisloe Garden Reception.
25 people from 21 countries will become New Zealand citizens in the citizenship ceremony and His Worship Len Brown, Mayor of Auckland will administer the oaths and affirmations of allegiance. The country’s newest citizens will then join a wide range of guests from all walks of life at the annual Bledisloe Garden reception, where the Governor-General will deliver his Waitangi Day address.
Sir Jerry Mateparae said, “Waitangi Day is a great opportunity for us to collectively remember the partnership that was forged 176 years ago and think about what it means for us as 21st century New Zealanders. I’m looking forward to welcoming our newest New Zealanders and sharing the meaning of the day with them too”.
Full Programme
Wednesday 3 February
19:00 The Governor-General and Lady Janine Mateparae host a dinner for the Chief of Navy and guests at Marsden Estate Restaurant, Kerikeri.
Thursday 4 February
10.00 The Governor-General and Lady Janine Mateparae are welcomed on to Te Tii Marae, Waitangi.
18:45 The Governor-General and Lady Janine Mateparae attend a reception on board HMNZS Wellington
Friday 5 February
10:15 The Governor-General and Lady Janine Mateparae attend a morning tea reception to meet the Diplomatic Corps at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
15:00 The Governor-General and Lady Janine Mateparae attend the Museum of Waitangi Opening and reception at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds
16.50-17.40 The Governor-General is the Reviewing Officer of the RNZN Beat Retreat and Ceremonial Sunset Ceremony, Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
Saturday 6 February
14:45 The Governor-General and Lady Janine Mateparae host a citizenship ceremony, Government House Auckland.
16:00 The Governor-General and Lady Janine Mateparae host a Bledisloe Garden Reception to mark the 175th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, Government House Auckland.
16:30 The Governor-General gives his Waitangi Day address.