Waitangi Day is our country’s most important architectural space. Time, space and performance translate into drama, politics, and good kai, and this weekend there are numerous ways to enjoy our nation’s peculiar cultural identities.

Going to the beach, mowing the lawn, and shopping are all solid staple holiday fare – but why not go the extra mile and make sure you add a bit of New Zealandness to this year’s Waitangi Day?

Really the Arch Centre should organise a trip to Waitangi, and I’m certainly keen for one next year. Any takers? But this year around Wellington you can check out a couple of open marae (Orongomai Marae, Upper Hutt; Whakarongotai Marae, Waikanae), visit Te Whiti Park, Lower Hutt (Te Runanganui o Taranaki Whanui ki te Upoko o Te Ika a Maui), go to concerts at Waitangi Park (thanks to the efforts of the Tenth Trust), or even take a boat tour to Motungangara Island.

Have a fun time, hang up a flag or two, and make Waitangi Day more than 5 minutes on the evening news.