The Navy plays a major role in Waitangi celebrations and has done since 1947.
In 2019, its involvement included a 100-man Royal Guard of Honour conducting the ceremonial lowering of the New Zealand White Ensign and a 21-gun salute to observe the 179th Anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.
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The HMNZS Wellington was based in the Bay of Islands during the celebrations.
From early on Waitangi commemorations have included the Navy, beginning with Royal Navy ships and officers, and more recently with the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN).
The RNZN paraded at the Treaty Grounds for the first time in 1947 after being given the green light from the Waitangi National Trust.
In 1990, the RNZN was presented with a charter recognising the relationship between it and the local community. The charter allows the RNZN to parade on Te Tai Tokerau land and on Waitangi grounds.
Mitchell Alexander sailed from Devonport to Waitangi on the HMNZS Wellington to see what's involved.
Watch the video above.
Newshub.
