Taonga and top hats: Slick fits from the Waitangi Treaty Grounds

From taonga and woven hats to slogan tees and kākahu rich with history, Waitangi’s outfits tell a story of politics, pride and resistance.

Waitangi is a time for making a statement. It’s a moment where politics and fashion collide, where kākahu does more than clothe bodies — it signals belief, resistance, pride. Beyond the familiar suits and ties, Waitangi reveals a far richer wardrobe. There are layers of texture and colour, taonga worn close to the chest, slogans carried on cotton, history stitched into every fibre.

At Waitangi, expectations dissolve. Over the past few days, in heavy heat and heavier politics, people did serious, skilled work while dressed in colour, pattern and meaning. There were flowing dresses and sharp suits, shorts and kilts, woven bags and carved pendants. Hats for days. T-shirts proudly displaying iwi names. Kākahu that spoke before a word was said.

From Te Whare Rūnanga to the bridge, from Te Tii Marae to the market stalls, statements were made everywhere – through kōrero, haka, waiata, hīkoi and, visually, through what people chose to wear.

Ben

A man wearing sunglasses, a cap, and a tie-dye shirt stands on a grassy field holding a long wooden stick. In the background, groups of people sit on the grass near a tall flagpole and trees. — Ben was a walking taonga puoro stand (Photo: Liam Rātana)

With a swan bone kōauau around his neck, pūtōrino hanging from his side and pūkaea in his hands, Ben is ready to make a noise. He’s been playing taonga puoro for around five years, but this is his first time at Waitangi.

“It’s been beautiful. It’s cool hearing whakaaro and kōrero. I can’t walk more than five minutes without having a conversation with someone but it’s always beautiful, nuanced kōrero.”

Lee and Lucy

Two people wearing straw hats and aprons stand smiling in front of a banner that reads "MRS MILLER'S MUSSEL FRITTERS." They are outdoors, possibly at a food stall or market event. — Lee has had his woven hat for 20 years (Photo: Liam Rātana)

“Waitangi is a cultural feast. A good vibe.” Lee’s had his woven top hat for 20 years, and it’s still in immaculate condition.

Ruiha

A person wearing a black hat, black shirt, and green t-shirt stands on grass, smiling and pointing at the camera. Behind them is a large white event tent with people and flags visible inside. — Ruiha has had one of her badges on her hat since she was nine years old (Photo: Liam Rātana)

“I’ve had this one badge since I was nine – I’m 45 now.” For Ruiha – who has been coming to Waitangi since she was a little girl – it’s all about “finding where our truth is”. “Our choices today are to set up our mokopuna for tomorrow.”

Raniera

A man with sunglasses and a ponytail stands outdoors at an event, wearing a blue basketball jersey that says “TAWHIRI.” Behind him are tents, banners, trees, and people on a grassy area. — Raniera is sporting a singlet from Soil and Sand (Photo: Liam Rātana)

“Tautoko te kaupapa.”

Meriana, Te-Mā-IO-hā, Te Ihikoa

A woman with a traditional moko and red hat holds a Samoan flag, standing next to two smiling boys at an outdoor cultural festival with tents and trees in the background. — Meriana’s staff goes with her wherever she travels (Photo: Liam Rātana)

“My staff, Hinekeira, she comes with me wherever I go. She was carved through spirit, gifted by my tūpuna Topia Te Maikoha. One side is red for the bloodshed in the battle for our whenua, the other has no lines as it’s for our lineage to come.”

Beau

A man in a white basketball jersey poses playfully, sticking out his tongue and holding a bag over his shoulder at an outdoor market with tents and colorful bags in the background. — Come get fitted out by L.Eyes & Co, like Ben (Photo: Liam Rātana)

“I love being up here for a beautiful kaupapa. It’s good to see our people thriving. It’s not until you come to a kaupapa like this and then you see it’s thriving.”

The Spinoff