Interactionz

Today is Waitangi Day, a day to celebrate the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti o Waitangi, a foundational document which formalised the relationship between Maaori tangata whenua and the British Crown. It is not a constitution or a statute, but an exchange of promises.

If you’ve ever wondered about its irregular shape, the treaty was written on parchment (stretched animal skin) which has been nibbled by rodents. You can see the original document in the Te Tohu exhibition housed in the National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa in Wellington.

Today is about learning, reflecting, and doing our part to honour Te Tiriti in everyday ways.

Huge thanks to Fergus Bar and Kitchen, especially Abby and the team, for hosting Interactionz so generously across the day and into the evening at our December 2025 year-end event.

We’re incredibly grateful for how accommodating the team were in helping us create a space that felt welcoming, inclusive, and accessible for everyone.

The platters were amazing, the service was thoughtful, and the atmosphere was exactly what we hoped for.

Thank you for supporting our kaupapa and helping us create a space where everyone felt comfortable and included 💫

www.interactionz.org.nz
www.fergusbar.co.nz



Image Descriptions:
Photo 1: A staff member carrying a wooden platter with cheese, cured meats, crackers, and fruit, being served to guests at tables.

Photo 2: High tables and stools lined along tall windows inside Fergus Bar & Kitchen, showing a warm, welcoming space set up for guests.

Photo 3: A large group of people seated and standing inside a bright, modern venue, listening and connecting during an Interactionz event.

Today marks the first anniversary of Government’s apology to more than 200,000 children, young people, and vulnerable adults who survived abuse and neglect while in State or faith-based institutions between 1950 and 1999.

Today, we reflect on our “national disgrace and shame” (Judge Carol Shaw), and vow to prevent such atrocities in future.

Image Description: A reflected single white lit candle with a purple heart on it on a dark background.

www.interactionz.org.nz