Kia ora Wellington! 🌺

Its Waitangi Day tomorrow and our capital city is coming alive with events that celebrate, commemorate, and reflect on this significant day in Aotearoa's history. Whether you're looking for family-friendly festivals, cultural performances, or meaningful ways to engage with Te Tiriti o Waitangi, we've got you covered.

Many of you are lucky enough to have Friday off too (we see you, four-day weekend planners! 😉), so we've included a selection of great events happening today and tomorrow. Plus don’t miss our regular Friday edition as there’s lots of fun events happening in Wellington this weekend that you don’t want to miss!

📍 In This Special Edition:

🌟 Local Legends: Celebrating Māori culture

💝 Extra Sprinkles: Supporting mana whenua initiatives

🎉 Events: What's on Wed & Thur (Waitangi specials & more!)

🌡️ Weather Watch: Your extended weekend forecast

🌟 Local Legends: Celebrating Māori Culture

1️⃣ Kura Gallery

• Location: 19 Allen Street, Te Aro, Wellington

• Description: Kura Gallery showcases contemporary Māori and New Zealand art, including paintings, sculptures, and jewelry. It's a treasure trove of indigenous creativity, perfect for finding a unique piece that embodies the spirit of Aotearoa.

2️⃣ Te Raukura – Te Wharewaka o Pōneke

• Location: 2 Taranaki Street, Wellington Waterfront

• Description: Experience authentic Māori culture through waka (canoe) tours, cultural performances, and traditional crafts. Te Wharewaka o Pōneke offers insights into the rich heritage of the tangata whenua (people of the land) in the heart of the city.

💝 Extra Sprinkles: Supporting Local Māori Initiatives

Consider contributing to local Māori charities that work tirelessly to support the community. The Te Whare Rokiroki Māori Women's Refuge provides support and safe housing for Māori women and children experiencing domestic violence.

• How to Help: Donations of clothing, household items, or funds are greatly appreciated.

This Week in Wellington – Events You Can’t Miss!

🌟 Wednesday, 5 Feb

🌌 Stargazing 101: Astronomy for Beginners – Ever wanted to explore the night sky? Join this beginner-friendly session and unlock the secrets of the universe!

🎭 Waitangi Day Special – HIWA Performance Collective – Celebrate Waitangi Day with a powerful Kapa Haka performance at Te Wharewaka o Poneke! Expect incredible talent, culture, and energy.
📍 Taranaki St Wharf

🎤 Wellington’s Freshest Comedy Line-Up – Fringe Bar
Need a midweek laugh? 😂 This award-nominated comedy show brings the best pro & semi-pro comedians for a night of big laughs, new jokes, and top-notch MCs!

🪓 Social Axe Throwing Wednesdays – Sweet Axe Throwing Co.
Unleash your inner lumberjack! Grab your mates and hit some bullseyes (or at least try!). No experience needed — just good vibes, drinks, and a whole lot of fun.

🧘 Yoga in the Sanctuary – Zealandia
Relax, reset, and flow through an evening yoga session in the lush eco-sanctuary of Zealandia. A perfect way to de-stress midweek. 🌿✨

🇳🇿 Waitangi Day Special – Te Aro Pā Walking Tour
Step back in time with this FREE walking tour uncovering the rich Māori history beneath Wellington’s streets. Discover the hidden Te Aro Pā and its fascinating past.
📍 Te Wharewaka o Poneke | Free Entry!

🎭 Private Lives – Gryphon Theatre
Noel Coward’s classic comedy of manners is back! Divorced lovers on honeymoon with new partners… in the same hotel?! Cocktails, chaos, and comedy ensue in this timeless and hilariously sharp play.

🎶 4AM KRU + Special Guest: Phasmid (UK) | Waitangi Day Eve – Drum & Bass lovers, this one’s for you! 4AM KRU brings the heat with a special guest straight from the UK. Get ready for massive basslines and late-night energy!

🔊 ECHO CHAMBER - An Urban Sonic Refuge – Immerse yourself in an experimental audio journey like no other! Expect mind-expanding soundscapes and urban beats.

🚨 (Whanganui Alert!) Troy Kingi LIVE – Waitangi Eve – The legendary Troy Kingi is in town for a Waitangi Eve special! 🎤🔥 Supported by local band Ngāti Stank. Don’t miss it!

🎉 Thursday, 6 Feb (Waitangi Day!)

🇳🇿 Te Rā o Waitangi – Wellington’s Signature Celebration
📍 Waitangi Park, 107 Cable St | FREE ENTRY
Bring your whānau & friends for a day of multicultural performances, Māori culture, live music, kai, and family-friendly activities!

🎤 Waitangi Day 2025 – Porirua
📍 Te Rauparaha Park, Porirua | FREE ENTRY
🔥 Brannigan Kaa as MC + killer performances by Pere, Kings, Brooke & Starce, and local kapa haka groups. An epic celebration of Māori culture and unity!

⚽ Wellington Phoenix vs Brisbane Roar – A-League Showdown!
It’s Game Day and Kids Go Free! The Nix take on Brisbane Roar in a high-stakes A-League battle. Expect thrills, goals, and an electric stadium atmosphere!

🛡️ Wrights Hill Fortress – Waitangi Day Open Day
📍 Karori | Family-friendly & Historic
Explore this wartime coastal fortress, uncover hidden tunnels, and dive into New Zealand’s military history. Great for kids & history buffs!

🐎 Waitangi Day Races – Tauherenikau Racecourse
📍 Tauherenikau
🎶 Live Music | 🎈 Kids’ Fun | 🚂 Mini Train Rides | 🏇 Horse Racing Action!
A huge family day out filled with racing, entertainment, food stalls, and carnival vibes!
🎟️ Adults: $20 | Kids (16 & under): FREE

🎸 Bob Marley Experience – One Love, One Dream
📍 Petone, Lower Hutt
Celebrate Bob Marley’s birthday with an epic night of reggae, good vibes, and iconic tunes! 🌿🎶

🖤 Waitangi Day Celebrations – Ōrongomai Marae, Upper Hutt
📍 Ōrongomai Marae
A whānau-friendly festival with live music, kai stalls, kapa haka, and games for tamariki. Feel the manaakitanga (hospitality) and community spirit!

🎶 Summer Serenade with Shaun Preston
📍 Brewtown Greenspace, Upper Hutt | FREE ENTRY
Kick back, soak up the sun, and enjoy an afternoon of live music & summer vibes with one of NZ’s top entertainers!

🧠 Blend Bar & Bistro Quiz Night – Upper Hutt
Think you’ve got what it takes? Grab your crew and tackle five rounds of top-tier trivia at one of Upper Hutt’s best quiz nights! Banter, brainpower, and good vibes guaranteed.

🌍 Wellington Language Exchange – El Barrio Latino Bar
Fancy brushing up on your Spanish, French, Japanese, or another language? 🌎✨ Meet locals & expats, make friends, and practice in a fun, relaxed environment!

🎵 Bangers Bingo – Dakota Bar
This ain’t your nana’s bingo! 🎶💃 Mix big beats, crazy antics, and prizes worth winning in this wild bingo-meets-party experience. Expect singalongs, surprises, and serious laughs!

🌡️ Welly Weather Watch:

☀️ Wed, Feb 5: Partly cloudy, 21°C, light winds – a decent day!
🌥️ Thu, Feb 6 (Waitangi Day): Morning sun, afternoon clouds, breezy, 23°C.
🌤️ Fri, Feb 7: Some sun, a few clouds, 21°C – nice for an after-work drink.
☀️ Sat, Feb 8: Mostly sunny, 24°C – perfect beach or BBQ weather!
🌞 Sun, Feb 9: Warm, breezy, 23°C – soak up the summer vibes!

📌 Verdict: Waitangi Day should stay dry but a bit breezy. The weekend? Prime summer conditions! ☀️🔥

🎵 Waitangi Day Soundtrack

This edition was crafted while listening to the soulful melodies of Maisey Rika, whose music beautifully blends traditional Māori sounds with contemporary rhythms.

🔥 Don’t miss out – tag your mates & plan your week! 🚀Love WellyBuzz? Share it with a mate (or mates!) by clicking on the link below and unlock our FREE guide with 100+ must-do activities in Wellington. The more, the buzzier! 🐝

Enjoy the celebrations, stay safe, and let's honor the spirit of Waitangi Day together.

Ngā mihi nui,

Kirstie & Steve
Your local buzz-keepers 🐝

P.S. Want the full scoop? Follow us below for real-time updates:

📘 Facebook, 🐦 Twitter (@EverydayKndness) / X), 📸 Instagram (WellyBuzz), and 💼 LinkedIn (Welly Buzz | LinkedIn)