I wanted to gather together all of the events that are happening on and around Waitangi Day 2021 – there are free and paid events, ways to support Kiwi businesses here in the UK and places to learn more about the history. Disclaimer: these are just the ones I’ve seen, let me know if I’m missing stuff!
In the words of a good friend, “Waitangi Day is of utmost importance to Aotearoa New Zealand. It’s spirit of bringing people together, reconciliation, commemoration and the foundation of a multi-racial and multicultural society is the essence of modern Aotearoa New Zealand society.
As New Zealanders abroad we are familiar with being apart from our loved ones but this last year has been especially difficult. Despite being ‘apart’ we will celebrate ‘together’ – this year’s ‘theme’. We are not individual island but an island collective, coming together and commemorate and celebrate Waitangi Day 2021.”
Online – The New Zealand High Commission
The NZHC team are sharing incredible information about the history about signing of Te Tiriti ō Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi) in 1840, both on their Facebook page and Instagram account.
Image courtesy of Te Papa Museum.
Crosstown Doughnuts Waitangi Day Packs/Flavours
Waitangi Day flavours are now available in-store and on-demand until the 11th February, featuring a Whittakers Peanut Slab doughnut and a Feijoa & Apple doughnut. Packed full of sweet, floral and tangy flavours of the New Zealanders beloved feijoa, complimented by a Manuka honey glaze and ginger nut crumble. I’m excited to have managed to get a pre-order in and are now stalking the postman. (Ok, I know this particular one isn’t technically online with pre-orders sold out, but writers licence.)
On Waitangi Day 2021
Join fellow kiwis this evening for an informal kōrero with familiar accents. PM for Zoom details.
No baking required unless that’s your thing, just pour yourself a drink and join us for a bit of craic. https://t.co/5D1GGGKqcE— Kiwis in Northern Ireland (@Kiwis_NI) February 6, 2021
2pm – Waiata-a-ringa online lesson with Hakaworks (ft NZBWN)
This free online class follows on from the huge success of the Te Reo Maori Masterclass last November. Haka Works are back to connect Kiwis once again with the beautiful Maori language with an online lesson in waiata-a-ringa (action song). No matter what your singing level, or knowledge of Te Reo Maori – all are welcome. Bring your flatmates, family and children in this fun, interactive hour of song. RSVP HERE.
5pm (prompt) – Waitangi Day Online Service
8pm – Jarred Christmas Comedy Event
Celebrate Waitangi Day with award-winning Kiwi comedian Jarred Christmas and friends, with fantastic stand-up comedy and a Kiwi-tastic quiz, beamed direct to your living room, live on Zoom. Featuring Javier Jarquin, Steve Wrigley and Matt Stellingwerf. With a performance by Jason Norris.
Amazing prizes to be won including sparkling wine, art work by Mandii Pope and more…! Tickets £10 per household, with the Zoom link sent out on the day of the show by 18:00. Buy now by clicking HERE
? – Kiwis in London Pub Crawl
This one is still up in the air – Clint at Kiwis in London is sussing what might be able to happen; a group zoom, a zoom with multiple stops, or just making up your own costumes, name your rooms after stations, do some funnels, and get it all on video and camera to share with the page!
But, here’s the official map for the Waitangi Day Circle Line pub crawl. “Create your own one and if you’re going to end with a haka, don’t be a d*ck and do it drunk….your neighbours will know! Post your pub crawl 2021 photos here or on the Kiwis in London Chat or Kiwis in London pages, we’re sure they’ll love to see them. Ka kite anō au i a koutou. The team at WDPC.”
Please drink responsibly. Check the Kiwis in London Chat group for updates.
Around Waitangi Day
7th February 1.45pm – Ngāti Rānana Hui via Zoom
Ngāti Rānana is a New Zealand community group “there for kiwis living in the UK who are feeling a long way from home right now. Ordinarily we would meet every week at NZ House but lockdown has meant we have had to move online. Anyone wanting to connect with other NZders abroad we welcome you to join us! Nau mai, haere mai!” A hui is a New Zealand term for a social gathering or assembly –
Join HERE.
8th February 7.30pm – New Zealand Business Womens Network Winter Warmer with Specialist Cellars
Grab your special offer Specialist Cellars wine to kick off the evening with a virtual tasting. As an exclusive NZBWN offer, purchase a bottle of this beautiful Malborough Sauvignon Blanc at a discounted. Tasting notes are included and Melanie Brown will share her journey with Specialist Cellars and also talk us through the finer details of tasting the wine. Book here.
Bonus: For New Zealand Beer Month, the New Zealand Beer Collective are organising some really cool events including the epic BIG Kiwi Meat Raffle (raising funds for the Trussell Trust), plus SANZA are running 10% off some of their craft beers. You can order NZ classics from Reka London for nationwide delivery, and pies from Secret Goldmine for London-wide delivery.
There are going to be places I’ve missed, and no doubt some really cool local initiatives for Waitangi Day 2021. Please let me know of any so I can add to this post. I’ve got a few of my favourite Kiwi recipes you might fancy, and making at home as well.
