It is unclear how many staff, if any, have lost their jobs or whether they will be absorbed in other parts of the Treaty Grounds business, which includes two museums, a shop, guided tours, and M\u0101ori cultural performances. <\/p>\n
Waitangi National Trust Board chief executive Ben Dalton said it had been a difficult decision to close the cafe. <\/p>\n
The trust would be \u201cthinking through\u201d all options for its food and beverage offerings moving forward, he said. <\/p>\n
\u201cIn the meantime, we are still open for visitors every day and we have our onsite coffee cart open. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe are seeing a decline in domestic visitors, no doubt influenced by the fuel crisis and ongoing cost-of-living pressures. <\/p>\n
\u201cAnd this was a contributing factor to our decision to close the cafe at this time.\u201d <\/p>\n
Former Waitangi National Trust chairman and Ng\u0101ti Hine leader Pita Tipene said the cafe closure was sad to hear. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s an iconic cafe within the precinct of what is a very significant national taonga [treasure]. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhen people go there, they like to slow down, get a coffee, have a meal and enjoy the wairua [spirit] of the place. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you visit Waitangi, having food and a place for people to meet and talk is really important as part of manaakitanga [hospitality, kindness, and generosity].\u201d <\/p>\n
Tipene, who was a member of the Waitangi National Trust Board for nine years before stepping down in June 2025, said the Whare Waka Cafe\u2019s demise was \u201can indication of the pressure on our cafes and the tourism and hospitality sectors in particular\u201d. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe have to be focusing as a region … on bringing more tourists and stimulating more domestic visitations to Waitangi and Northland. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt has to be a top priority for all of us. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt really is an indication of how everyone is struggling \u2013 we have to lift our efforts more.\u201d <\/p>\n
Northland Inc head of destination Ben Chapman said Waitangi remained one of Aotearoa\u2019s most significant international and domestic visitor destinations. <\/p>\n
\u201c… Paihia and the wider Bay of Islands continue to offer an incredibly strong range of hospitality and visitor experiences. <\/p>\n
\u201cTourism businesses across the region are continuing to adapt to changing market conditions while delivering the welcoming, high-quality experiences Northland is known for.\u201d <\/p>\n
Chapman said recent data showed a 13.9% increase in international guest nights for the Far North in the year ending March 2026. <\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, the domestic market remains more challenging, with many New Zealanders continuing to navigate cost pressures and changing travel behaviour,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n