The land of long white cloud is seeing sunshine emerge this morning for Waitangi Day events.

A special dawn service to commemorate the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi at Hopukiore (Mount Drury) began at 6.30am with a karakia (blessing) by tangata whenua followed by a community service and open forum, giving participants an opportunity to have a say about Waitangi Day.

Karen Te Keeti and Toni Childs will be dressed in European and Maori infused outfits for the day to represent unity at Historic Village today.

If you've got the day off, why not attend some of these Waitangi Day-themed events.

Historic Village on 17^th Ave is celebrating the importance of the Treaty of Waitangi with a day of knowledge and fun, with entertainment from local talent, kapa haka, kai stalls, weaving, Maori medicine and much more. Open to the public from 10am-5pm, entry fee is gold coin for adults, children enter for free.

Papamoa beachfront is hosting its third annual Waitangi Day Community Fair from 11am.

Organiser Buddy Mikaere says the Tauranga Maori Business Association is pleased to offer the event again, packed with family-focussed Waitangi Day activities for all to enjoy on 'our national day”.

Five local bands will provide live entertainment along with popular Zumba outfit Rhythmz Dance Company. The fundraiser event for Papamoa Surf Lifesaving Club's youth programmes will also offer a wide range of stalls, drinks and food.

Children's activities include a sand sculpture contest, treasure hunt and boogie board race and there will also be a prize for the person judged to be wearing the 'loudest” shirt.

'Coast Papamoa is providing the fair site and free parking off Coast Boulevard, while road contractors Fulton Hogan are looking after traffic management – something that is particularly important along busy Papamoa Beach Rd,” says Buddy.

St John will also be present for any first aid requirements. Others are providing prizes for a big list of fundraising raffles, which include chainsaws, water blasters, a stand up paddle board and expensive surf casting gear.

'We have had tremendous support again from local iwi Ngaiterangi; and chairman Charlie Tawhiao will open proceedings on the day, along with Tauranga Mayor Stuart Crosby,” says Buddy

From 2pm, an impressive aerobatic display will brighten up the skies above the fair, with two North American Harvard aircraft, from the NZ Warbirds Association base at Ardmore, and a Yak 3 Russian World War 2 fighter, from Omaka, taking flight.

Held at Papamoa Beach Road, Gate entry is a gold coin donation or koha.

Thursday 6 February

Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting Salvation Army, Eversham Rd, Bayfair 7.30-8.30pm.

Israeli Evangelist, Jacob Kamkani Presbyterian Church, Dee St, Mount 7pm. Books for sale & offering taken. Dorothy 570 1196 [email protected]

Keynote 4 Part Harmony Women's Chorus Meet every Thurs at Wesley Church Hall, 13th Ave Tauranga 6.45pm. Sing for fun & health. Nora 544 2714

Legacy Funerals Otumoetai Seniors Men's/ladies doubles Feb 6, Fri 7 8.45am, reporting time for 9am start. Free lunch and other bites. Entry fee $25 one event, $45 two events per player. www.otumoetaitennis.co.nz

Mauaopac Contemporary Choir Meet every Thurs at 11 Totara St, Mt Maunganui 6.30-8.30pm. Email Alice [email protected]

More Than Craft Every Thurs, starting Feb 13 at Greerton Bible Church, Chadwick Rd, Greerton 9.30-11.30am. Meet others & learn a new craft. $3 per session. Creche available. New members welcome. June 544 0823

Mount Underwater Club Club night at Mount Ocean Sports Clubrooms (cnr The Mall & Salisbury Ave, Mt Maunganui) 7.30pm. Video of members dive on Rena. New members welcome. Gail 570 1935

Petanque Tauranga/BOP Club Every Thurs & Sun at Cliff Rd venue 1pm start. Jo Ann 578 3606

Relationships Anonymous for Women Destructive, painful relationships? Self help group meet weekly 10-11am. Liz 562 1400

Salsa on the Strand Presented by Bay Salsa Thursday upstairs at Flannagans. Intro class 8pm followed by social dancing. Really social, no partner required. $2 entry, members free. All welcome. www.baysalsa.co.nz

Taoist Tai Chi Exercise your body, challenge your mind. New class starts Feb 13 at 15 Koromiko St, Judea 12.30pm. Ann 577 9145

Tauranga Heart Support Group Phase 3 rehab exercise, social events & guest speakers for those with or at risk of heart disease. Every Thurs at City Church Hall, Otumoetai Rd/Sherwood St 9.30-10.45am. Men & women welcome. Dianne 576 5031 Qualified instructor/Cardiac Care leader.

Tauranga Model Railway Club Meet every Thurs evening. Ed 543 1108

Tauranga Rock n Roll Social Dancers 50's & 60's music at 14 Norris St Tauranga (behind Pak n Save) 7.30-9.30pm. $3 entry. Maria 576 7326