From January 30 to February 9, our community will be at the heart of a distinctive, community-inspired cultural experience to honour the signing of one of our nation's founding documents, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and celebrate our shared history.

This year’s theme, Taonga tuku iho | Treasures of our heritage, reflects the precious gifts—tangible and intangible — handed down to us from our ancestors or tūpuna. These treasures connect us to our past and guide our future.

In response to the overwhelming interest from you, our community, to learn more about the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi when it came south to Murihiku, we are excited to announce Te Tiriti - Ruapuke, June 1840, a brand-new exhibition curated especially for Southlanders and brought to you by Te Kupeka Tiaki Taoka | Southern Regional Collections Trust with the support of the four Murihiku Papatipu Rūnanga. The exhibition opens in Te Anau on Waitangi Day, February 6, and runs throughout the month at the Fiordland National Park Visitors Centre. Following the official opening, we host the author of Uprising and arts organiser Nic Low for his talk, The Pounamu Trail.

Additionally, we are co-hosting a great lineup of cultural events over eleven days with our community partners and guest performers and speakers, including Ngā Herenga Waka Kapa Haka (Waihōpai), Te Anau School Kapa Haka, music from Top of the Hour (Ōtepoti Dunedin), Niccolo Piccolo (Pōneke Wellington), Te Piritahi a Rua Waka Ama (Waihōpai), Department of Conservation, Fiordland Arts Charitable Trust, Fiordland Cinema, Fiordland Outdoor Play Group, Te Anau Library and Southland District Council,  RealNZ, Fiordland Historic Cruises and Redcliff Cafe.

Visit our Announcements & Events page and Waitangi Festival 2025 Programme pages for event details, bookings and updates. All events are FREE, but some have limited places and require bookings. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and IG.