Waitangi Day is nearly upon us, and a policing operation based on a year’s planning – and many years’ experience - is well and truly under way in Te Tai Tokerau.
Operation Waitangi is Northland District’s largest event of the year, with nearly half the district’s staff being deployed.
Tāmaki Makaurau-based staff will be supporting Northland throughout the district while local staff are deployed to the operation.
Operation Waitangi starts in earnest today (Monday 3 February) with the Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy being welcomed to Te Whare Rūnanga on the Upper Treaty Grounds.
Tomorrow will see a separate pōwhiri for Chief Justice Dame Helen Winkelmann.
On Wednesday there will be a dawn service and the opening of the new museum at Waitangi - Te Whare Maumahara - commemorating the Pioneer Battalion in World War I and 28 (Māori) Battalion in World War II.
A second dawn service held on Thursday/Waitangi Day - overlooking the stunning Bay of Islands - will be attended by the Prime Minister, ministers and the Leader of the Opposition and his representatives.
Waitangi celebrations include other less high-profile traditions and festivities, such as the Defence Force’s Beat the Retreat display on the Upper Treaty Grounds, which demonstrates the naval connection to Waitangi. The Navy Band and Defence Cultural Group will also perform.
“Planning for Waitangi involves a massive effort through partnerships with iwi and the Waitangi Trust,” says Northland District Commander Superintendent Tony Hill.
“We also share extensive information with internal partners such as Protection Services, the Media Team and Intelligence.
“A lot of the planning centres around the ‘what if’ and planning for contingencies especially as a lot of information such as VIP movements aren’t known until the last minute.”
Tony says the operation is conducted in a uniquely Northland style, demonstrating Police’s role as a genuine Treaty partner with respect for Waitangi customs – such as ensuring a safe environment for people to exercise their right to freedom of speech - and working closely with the Waitangi Trust.
“We have a large contingent of iwi liaison officers made up of district staff on the ground, so the visible impact of staff in uniform is low and we intervene early when potential issues arise - an approach that is appreciated by the Waitangi Trust,” he says.