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Events

Waitangi Day

Nau mai, haere mai.
Okains Bay Museum and whānau from Koukourarata invite you to Waitangi Day Commemorations at Kawatea on Rātū 6 Pēpuere 2024 | Okains Bay, Tuesday 6 February 2024.

A special free event to commemorate Waitangi Day in the spirit of kotahitanga (unity), with community, kai and fun. Supported by whānau from Koukourarata, the Okains Bay Community, Okains Bay School, Okains Bay Museum, Christchurch City Council and Manatū Taonga / Ministry for Culture and Heritage.

Click here for a printable site map and programme

Here’s what you can expect:

We are expecting hot temperatures so please dress accordingly, bring sun protection and a full water bottle. A water tank is located on the Museum grounds near the garden bar for refilling.

  • 9:00 am: The Museum gates open, granting you free entry to a day brimming with:
    • Interactive displays: Learn about the rich history and taonga of the region.
    • Family-friendly games and activities: Fun for all ages, keeping everyone entertained throughout the day.
    • Live entertainment: From Rollicking Entertainment and soloist Patrick Powdrell in the Museum’s Garden Bar and Arena spaces.
      Exciting, terrifying and genuinely funny – the carnival is in town!
      Rollicking are your friendly neighbourhood carnies delivering delight with vintage flair and fast-paced fun, with acts that have enthralled audiences at prestigious festivals around the globe, including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Australian Circus Festival and our own World Buskers Festival.
    • Delicious food and treats: Fuel up on a variety of tasty options to keep your energy high.
    • Remember: Show your support for the Museum’s vital role in preserving national and regional treasures by bringing generous cash koha (donations). Food and drinks will be available for purchase, but feel free to bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Cash and limited Eftpos will be accepted.
  • 9:45 am: Manuhiri (any visitors wanting to attend) and invited guests gather opposite the Old School on the Ngāi Tahu Reserve
  • 10:00 am: Pōwhiri begins on Ngāi Tahu Reserve
  • 10:30 am: the Governor General’s message
  • 1:30 pm: the Kāi Tahu waka, Kōtukumairangi arrives (subject to tide)

Okains Bay Museum and whānau from Koukourarata and Ngāi Tahu, has chosen to host the 2024 Waitangi Day Commemoration as a free event, breaking down cost barriers and welcoming everyone.

Getting to Okains Bay:

Location:
  • Okains Bay is on the east coast of Te Pataka o Rakaihautū | Banks Peninsula
  • It’s 86 km from central Christchurch via Wairewa | Little River:
    • take the Summit Road from Hilltop.
    • OR, take the Christchurch/Akaroa Highway via Duvauchelle.
  • It’s also 20 km from Akaroa.
Transportation:
  • Unfortunately, there are no public transport options to Okains Bay.
  • If you’re driving an electric vehicle, there are charging stations at:
    • Little River
    • Akaroa (Rue Brittan & Beach Rd near the Fire Station)
Okains Bay Road Closure:
  • Please be aware that Okains Bay Road will be closed in sections:
    • Between Back Road near the Museum and the Museum side of the school and shop.
  • If you’re coming from Summit Road down Okains Bay Rd:
    • You will be diverted at the “Whitebait Bridge” to a loop along Okains River Road and Chorlton Road.
    • The loop rejoins Okains Bay Road at the cemetery corner.
  • If you’re coming from Chorlton Road:
    • Turn right at the cemetery onto Okains Bay Road.
Parking: 
  • Parallel road side parking is along Okains Bay Road.
  • Vehicles displaying mobility stickers may approach the cordon to be directed to parking with close proximity to the event.
Tips:
  • Gates open at 9am.
  • Allow plenty of time to make your journey.
  • Public toilets are at Little River and Duvauchelle.
  • Bring plenty of cash.
  • Okains has no potable water so bring your own drinking water. Bottled water is available for sale. There will also be a tank of drinking water located at the Museum.
  • Dress comfortably and prepare for outdoor weather conditions. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and dress in layers.
  • Respect the cultural significance of the event and observe tikanga (local customs) when directed.

Volunteer to help out:

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