Media Release
1 February 2017
NAVY TO CONTINUE TRADITIONAL INVOLVEMENT AT WAITANGI
The Royal New Zealand Navy will continue its traditional involvement and support in Waitangi Day activities in the Bay
of Islands this year.
The Navy is invited annually by the people of Tai Tokerau to attend Waitangi Day activities, and plays a significant
part in the commemorative ceremonies.
The RNZN representatives this year will be Rear Admiral John Martin ONZM, the Chief of Navy, and his Deputy, Commodore
Dave Gibbs.
This year the Navy warship, HMNZS Canterbury, will anchor off Waitangi from 4-7 February, while HMNZS Wellington will be
alongside Opua Wharf from 2-7 February.
A Beat Retreat and Sunset Ceremony will take place at the Treaty Ground flagpole on Sunday, 5 February. A 100-man Royal
Guard of Honour will conduct the ceremonial lowering of the White Ensign, signifying the end of the day. This will be
reviewed by Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy.
The Navy Band, under new director Lieutenant Michael Dowrick will perform several public concerts in the region from 3-6
February, including at Kerikeri on the evening of Friday, 3 February and two concerts on Paihia Village Green, at 11am
and 2pm on Saturday, 4 February.
At midday on Monday, 6 February, HMNZS Canterbury will fire a 21-gun salute to observe the 177th anniversary of the
signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.
Firing such salutes developed from the naval tradition of visiting warships firing their cannon 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 more latterly with the Royal New Zealand Navy, 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 Navy was presented with a charter recognising the strength of the relationship between the Navy and
community in the region. The charter allows the Navy to parade on Tai Tokerau land and on Waitangi grounds.
Navy Programme
Friday, 3 February
10am-3pm HMNZS Wellington open to the public – Opua Wharf
6pm Navy Band concert at the Turner Centre, Kerikeri
Saturday, 4 February
8am HMNZS Canterbury anchors in the bay
10am Powhiri at Te Tii Marae, involving Governor-General and Navy
personnel
11am Navy Band concert at Paihia Village Green
2pm Navy Band concert at Paihia Village Green
Sunday, 5 February
8.30am-11.30am HMNZS Wellington open to the public – Opua Wharf
11am-1pm Full rehearsal for Beat Retreat at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds
4.45pm-5.30pm Beat Retreat and Sunset Ceremony – Governor-General as Reviewing Officer
Monday, 6 February
5am Dawn Service
10am Church Service, Chief of Navy and Principal Navy Chaplain
11.10am RNZN Maori Culture Group perform on the Treaty Grounds
11.30am Navy Band concert at Treaty Ground Flagpole
Midday Guard of Honour form at the Flag Pole – 21-Gun Salute from HMNZS
Canterbury
Midday Seasprite helicopter flyover
5pm Closing Ceremony – Beat Retreat and Sunset Ceremony
ENDS