Sunday 8 February 2026

Waitangi Day Reflection

I have a cousin who was born on Waitangi Day, and his parents named him Waitangi. They found the day deeply significant and meaningful. It was a special moment for them, one that has remained etched in their hearts as the country began to mark Waitangi Day as a public holiday.

Waitangi Day is remembered for the covenant agreement signed in 1840 between Tangata Whenua (the indigenous people of the land) and Tangata Tiriti (the Crown and all others who have come here). At the heart of the Treaty is relationship, an agreement grounded in mutual responsibility, trust, and commitment between the signatories.

The Bible speaks often of covenant as a binding promise between God and His people. Covenants reveal God’s faithfulness, steadfast love, and commitment, and they form the foundation of His relationship with humanity.

• God’s covenant with Noah was marked by a rainbow, a sign of His promise never to flood the earth again (Genesis 9:13).
• God’s covenant with Abraham was a promise of an everlasting relationship (Genesis 17:7).
• Jesus’ spoke of a new covenant at His last meal with His disciples, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you” (Luke 22:20).

As we celebrate Waitangi Day, may we take time to reflect on the Treaty, talking together about what it means for our country and for our people. As a church, we honour the Treaty. And as followers of Christ, we seek to walk in His way: pursuing justice, bringing healing to the broken, showing compassion to all, and proclaiming good news to every person in Aotearoa New Zealand

Te manaakitanga – The blessing
(Philippians 4:7)

Ma te mārie a te Atua
e kore nei ē taea te whakaaro
e tiaki ō koutou ngākau ō koutou hinengaro
i roto i a Karaiti Ihu;
ā kia mau kia ū hoki ki a koutou
te manaaki a te Atua Kaha Rawa,
a te Matua, a te Tama, a te Wairua Tapu
āianei ā āke tonu atu.
Āmine.

May the peace of God
which passes all understanding
keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus
and may the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit
be with you and remain with you now and always. Amen.