As New Zealanders, Waitangi sits at the heart of our identity. It’s where the Treaty was first signed; and it’s home to the people who welcomed New Zealand’s first Christian missionaries. The stories of Waitangi are our stories; they are your stories.
Karuwhā aims to help people experience the commemorations, and to form their own connection to this place and these narratives. The Karuwha rōpū have been making this journey for many years now and have been welcomed back by the whānau of Te Tii Marae.
This haerenga is held annually over the February Waitangi Commemorations, and is an invitation to experience Waitangi first-hand: to serve alongside tāngata whenua, visit significant sites and spend time listening to stories of our past from kaumatua, kuia and historians.
It is a very active programme and a reasonable level of fitness will be needed.
What will this Hīkoi include?
Accomodation:
You are welcome to camp with us at the Waitangi Holiday Park (we will have a group booking): $53 per night per person.
If you’d prefer an alternative option you will need to booking your own batch/hotel as soon as your application is confirmed.
Applications:
Our capacity is 110 people and everyone needs to submit an application form. Group size is limited to 12 people, to allow a mix of people to join in. A pre-Waitangi hui will also be required for preparation, happening in Auckland and zoom in January.
Applications for 2025 are open.
"It was really significant to be surrounded by people who are committed to learning the story of Aotearoa."