More than 400 people are expected to attend the event, which will take place at Te Rau Aroha Marae in Bluff on Tuesday and among them will be MPs and local government.
Celebrations rotate in the region and the Bluff marae last hosted the event in 2021.
This year’s Waitangi Day holds particular significance as Justin Tipa, recently elected kaiwhakahaere (chairman) of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, leads the commemorations.
Event organiser Dean Whaanga emphasised the universal nature of Waitangi Day celebrations.
"It’s not just for Māori - people should not think it’s just a Māori day.
"It’s for all New Zealanders to celebrate. It’s recognition of partnership."
The day’s festivities in Bluff start at 10am with a pōwhiri to welcome guests on to the marae.
Speeches and presentations will follow, providing an opportunity for reflection on the partnership encapsulated in te Tiriti.
There would be a hangi for the guests, and stalls and activities for families to enjoy.
"Everyone will be welcomed equally on to the marae for the celebrations.
"Come enjoy a feed, enjoy conversations and commemorate and celebrate the day.
"That’s what manaakitanga [hospitality] is about."
Event organiser Keri Milne-Ihimaera said it was important for New Zealanders to better understand Waitangi Day and why it was worth celebrating.
"I think the challenge for us this year is to all take responsibility to learn a little bit more than we knew last year, have more conversations about it, come together, stand together."
Waitangi Day was a reminder of the foundational documents that shaped New Zealand’s relationship — te Tiriti o Waitangi and the Treaty of Waitangi.
"It’s a really positive thing that we can all share this education process together, where we work out what it means, in a modern-day context.
"It’s just as relevant for us now, as it was for our tipuna [ancestors] 184 years ago.
"We live, eat and breathe te Tiriti every day."
University of Otago sociology lecturer Simon Barber reiterated the importance of education to understand the true meaning and significance of the Treaty and te Tiriti.
"It’s the absolute foundational document of Aotearoa New Zealand, it sets the terms of our relationship.
"If you get rid of that document and you try to render it meaningless, then you’ve absolutely destroyed any kind of basis for healthy constitutional arrangements in this country."
He expressed confidence that attempts to undermine the Treaty would not succeed.
"I think these forms of education are crucial if we’re going to understand our relationships to each other and move forward in a good way."
As the community prepared to gather, celebrate and reflect, the overarching message was one of unity, partnership and a shared responsibility to understand and honour the legacy of Waitangi Day, Dr Barber said.
Guests are encouraged to gather at Te Rau Aroha Marae gates at 9.45am for the pōwhiri.
Following the pōwhiri, attendees can look forward to a diverse programme of speakers, performances, presentations and, notably, a feast of delicious food.
