Following this collective discussion, agreement has been reached that the 2026 Waitangi Day Dawn Service will proceed as planned. There is a strong acknowledgement that community events, such as the Waitangi Day Dawn Service, play an important role in bringing people together in challenging times. The Waitangi Day Dawn Service has been observed for more than 50 years. The Tauranga Moana Waitangi Day Dawn Service organising committee warmly invites the community to attend the 2026 Tauranga Moana Waitangi Day Dawn Service at Hopukiore on Friday, 6 February. Tauranga Moana Waitangi Day Dawn Service organising committeeTauranga City Council is proud to stand alongside tangata whenua to ensure this important day is commemorated every year.