Today marks 184 years since the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, an occasion that will be commemorated at the Dunstan Rowing Club.

A Whānau Day will be hosted by Uruuruwhenua Hauora at the club, featuring Matua Henry on the waka, from 2pm to 5pm.

Everyone is welcome to attend, along with a towel, insect spray, drink bottle and sunhat.

Whaea Francie Diver said Waitangi Day is a special time, giving whanau an opportunity to gather.

For many people, they are away from their whānau and iwi so gathering with others is vital.

“It doesn’t matter who they are, but they meet as a family, together,” she said.

“When we call each other ‘whānau’ we are not necessarily from the same marae.”

She said if Alexandra had a runanga, a Māori assembly or council, people would gather there on Waitangi Day, but as there isn’t one, people compromise and gather in other ways.

The day is one that can leave Francie feeling homesick, but she looks to others to overcome that.

Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan considers the day as one of great importance.

“I have to admit that, prior to being mayor, Waitangi Day was pretty much just a day off work, in fact I never set foot on a marae until my first term as mayor,” he said.

“Now the opportunities and experiences that being mayor has given me lead me to look at Waitangi Day as something very important both to me personally and to the nation as a whole.”