Latest from Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Crowds attend the dawn ceremony at Te Whare Rūnanga during Waitangi Day commemorations at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Video / NZ Herald

Labour Leader Chris Hipkins and MP Willie Jackson speak to the media from Waitangi following the Government Pōwhiri. Video / NZ Herald

OPINION: The rifts within the party seem to have no resolution in sight.

The Greens Party speaks to media following the Government Pōwhiri at Waitangi. Video / NZ Herald

Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi speaks to media following the Government Pōwhiri at Waitangi. Video / NZ Herald

Deputy PM David Seymour speaks to media following the Government pōwhiri at Waitangi. Video / NZ Herald

Green MP Teanau Tuiono made the announcement during his speech at Waitangi.

NZ Herald's Deputy Political Editor Adam Pearse speaks with Ryan Bridge ahead of Waitangi day celebrations. Video / Ryan Bridge TODAY

Morning Headlines | Wellington mayor issues warning over beaches and Christopher Luxon positive ahead of pōwhiri | Thursday, February 5, 2026

The Treaty Principles Bill being axed has eased tensions at this year's events.

OPINION: New Zealand First plans to cut Treaty principles from many laws in 2026.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins spoke to media from Waitangi today. Video / NZ Herald

Waitangi 2026: Luxon to meet iwi chairs at Treaty Grounds, as Ngāi Tahu returns for first time in years. Video / NZ Herald

Members of the judiciary, diplomatic corps and local government attend a pōwhiri at the Upper Treaty Grounds during the Waitangi 2026 commemorations. Video / Jason Dorday

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon visited the Waitangi grounds today, where he faced the Iwi Chairs Forum in a private meeting to discuss his Government’s past year in power.

Ministers, council celebrate collaboration ahead of invective at Thursday's pōwhiri.

A unique version of a famous aria at a Waitangi event celebrating the Māori economy.

Hipkins speaks to media from Waitangi after Senior Labour MP Peeni Henare confirmed he's leaving politics in the next few weeks. Video / Alyse Wright

Henare had not put himself forward for his former Tāmaki Makaurau seat.

Labour will go to Waitangi this year urging partnership and rejecting division.

Davidson warns against politicians who use the Treaty to divide New Zealanders.

OPINION: The PM is heading north this week but won't be in Northland for Waitangi Day.

The march from Cape Rēinga to Waitangi to fight for rights will keep the US in mind.