Waitangi @ Waititi welcomes 50,000 whānau

Te Whānau o Waipareira, alongside Hoani Waititi Marae, proudly presented the annual Waitangi @ Waititi 2025 celebration on Thursday 6th February 2025. The special day began with a pōwhiri, marking the opening of the event at Parrs Park. Attendees enjoyed captivating performances by Stan Walker, Aaradhna, Rob Ruha, Ladi6, Che-Fu, and many more across two stages.

This year's event was particularly special, as it marked 45 years of Hoani Waititi Marae - a significant milestone in the Marae's journey of supporting and empowering the community. The event honored the legacy of Te Tiriti o Waitangi while celebrating 45 years of urban Māori unity, identity, and culture.

Te Whānau o Waipareira CEO, John Tamihere, acknowledged the festival as an opportunity for whānau to unite in celebration.

“Waitangi @ Waititi gives our whānau something to look forward to every year. It's a chance for us all to commemorate this significant day while enjoying amazing live performances at Hoani Waititi Marae - and it's all for free," he remarked.

New Zealand Music Hall of Fame inductee, Mark Williams, returned to Aotearoa to celebrate 50 years of music at Waitangi @ Waititi2025. Event-goers experienced a musical journey through his old-school soul, disco, funk, reggae, and rock favourites.

"It's awesome to come full circle and return home to sing my songs to (and with) the audiences I've missed so much. After decades of not performing them in New Zealand, this was one reunion I wasn’t going to miss! I performed my hit singles from both New Zealand and Australia, acknowledged my 20-year presence in Dragon, and covered a couple of extra songs I love. It was a blast for the audience—and for me! I was so excited to celebrate with everyone," Williams shared.

The event brought together whānau from all around, offering something for everyone—whether it was the pōwhiri, the stalls at the marae, or simply enjoying the day in unity with loved ones.