Waitangi in Pictures: Waka, whānau and manu under the bridge
Atutahi Potaka-DewesFri, 06 Feb
Young paddlers wait their turn to return their waka to shore after the annual waka launch at Waitangi.
Photo/PMN News
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Waitangi in Pictures: Waka, whānau and manu under the bridge
PMN News captures the colour, connection, and community spirit of Waitangi Day: from markets, manu dives, and young people on the water.
Atutahi Potaka-Dewes
Published
06 February 2026, 11:20pm
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Waitangi in Pictures: Waka, whānau and manu under the bridge
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Cloudy skies gave way to blazing midsummer heat as thousands gathered at Waitangi on Friday, filling the Treaty Grounds with sound, colour, and movement.
While some rose early for the dawn service, starting the day in reflection, protest, or both, many more made their way to the Lower Treaty Grounds, where the focus shifted to community, kai, and celebration.
From manu launched off the Waitangi Bridge to browsing the market stalls, the day unfolded as a reminder that for many, Waitangi Day is lived as much through togetherness as it is through politics.
Tangata Tiriti proudly held up this sign as they crossed over the Waitangi Bridge. Photo/PMN News
Popping manu off the bridge is a long standing Waitangi Day tradition. Photo/PMN News
Paddlers return the 32-metre long ceremonial waka taua (war canoe), Ngātokimatawhaorua, to its shelter. Photo/PMN News
A young kaihoe (paddler) shows how paddles can differ in size and design. Photo/PMN News
Led by the Ngātokimatawhaorua waka, around 700 kaihoe took to the water from Te Tii beach for the annual waka launch, paddling together beneath the Waitangi Bridge in a powerful show of unity.
According to RNZ, Treaty Grounds officials estimated about 3000 people attended the dawn service, with crowds growing to around 35,000 by midday on Waitangi Day.
Huge crowds move between the different events at both ends of the Treaty grounds. Photo/PMN News
Niue colours are hard to miss. Photo/PMN News
Water stations and snow cones were big hits in the summer heat. Photo/PMN News
Simi Finau proudly representing the 676. Photo/PMN News
The recently refurbished Te Tii Marae held important iwi discussions during the week. Photo/PMN News
Toa with his son, are proud Niueans who have been waving the golden flag all week around the grounds. Photo/PMN News
From bucket hats and flax weaving to pounamu and 'otai, the markets had something for everyone. Photo/PMN News
Barbers on wheels. Photo/PMN News
Attendees admiring the craftsmanship of the waka. Photo/PMN News
Dress your way. Photo/PMN News
Taking a moment. Photo/PMN News
Bumper to bumper traffic crawl past tightly parked cars. Photo/PMN News
When it's all said and done, there's nothing left but the sun. Photo/PMN News