Discussing freshwater issues, citizenship, diversity and the Treaty, is the focus of this year's Waitangi Day commemorations festivities.
Ōnuku Rūnanga is hosting the 2016 festival on February 6.
Ōnuku kaumātua George W. Tikao says it is a huge pleasure for the Rūnanga to once again host the official Ngāi Tahu Waitangi Day commemorations.
“On behalf of the whānau of Ōnuku Marae, I’d like to say what an honour it is to be able to welcome dignitaries, guests and whānau to our beautiful marae to celebrate as family, a community and a country, the things that make Aotearoa special,” he says.
The public is invited to attend the event. Festivities will start at 9am with a pōhiri. Following this, key speakers will then stand and present their kōrero.
The day will also include a few market stalls, coffee and seafood vans.
Each year, the festival alternates between three locations where Ngāi Tahu signed the Treaty: Te Rau Aroha Marae at Awarua, Ōtākou Marae near Dunedin and Ōnuku Marae on Banks Peninsula.
The road to Ōnuku Marae will be closed to the general public from 8am sue to limited parking at the marae.
Those travelling to Waitangi Day celebrations are being asked to meet at Akaroa Area Primary School, where buses will take them to and from the venue.
More details on the festival can be found on the Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu's Facebook Page.