Navy to play active role at Waitangi Day commemoration
The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) will have an active role again in Waitangi Day commemoration in the Bay of Islands this year.
Every year on 6 February people of all backgrounds and creeds gather to commemorate the signing of New Zealand’s most historic document, Te Tiriti o Waitangi — The Treaty of Waitangi.
The RNZN is invited annually by the people of Te Tai Tokerau to attend Waitangi Day activities, and it plays a significant part in the commemorative ceremonies.
The RNZN representatives this year will be Chief of Navy Rear Admiral David Proctor and his Deputy, Commodore Mat Williams.
This year HMNZS Wellington will be in the bay, alongside Opua Wharf from 4–5 February and anchored off Waitangi on 6 February.
RNZN involvement in the commemoration will begin with a Beat Retreat and Ceremonial Sunset Ceremony at the Treaty Ground flagpole on Tuesday evening, 5 February.
A 100-man Royal Guard of Honour will conduct the ceremonial lowering of the New Zealand White Ensign, signifying the end of the day. This will be reviewed by Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy.
At midday on Wednesday, 6 February, HMNZS Wellington will fire a 21-gun salute to observe the 179th Anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.
Firing such salutes developed from the naval tradition of visiting warships firing their cannons until all ammunition aboard was spent, demonstrating they were disarmed and had no hostile intent. Today all salutes are fired with blank cartridges.
From the outset Waitangi commemorations have included naval involvement, first with Royal Navy ships and officers and latterly with the RNZN, which paraded at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds for the first time in 1947, after being granted access by the Waitangi National Trust.
In 1990 the RNZN was presented with a Charter recognising the strength of the relationship between the RNZN and the community in the region. The charter allows the RNZN to parade on Te Tai Tokerau land and on Waitangi grounds.
Navy Waitangi Day Programme in Bay of Islands
Monday, 4 February
8am: HMNZS Wellington berths alongside Opua Wharf
2–3pm: Navy Band Concert at Paihia Village Green
Tuesday, 5 February
4.45–5.30pm: Beat Retreat and Ceremonial Sunset Ceremony, with the Governor-General as Reviewing Officer
Wednesday, 6 February
5am: Dawn Service
10am: Church Service, Chief of Navy and Principal Navy Chaplain
11.15–11.30am: RNZN Maori Cultural Group perform on the Treaty Grounds
11.30–11.50am: RNZN Band concert on the Treaty Ground Flagpole
Midday: Guard of Honour forms at the Flag Pole — 21-Gun Salute from HMNZS Wellington
Midday: Seasprite helicopter flypast
5–5.30pm: Closing ceremony — Beat Retreat and Ceremonial Sunset Ceremony, with the Chief of Navy as Reviewing Officer
