Waitangi Day
New Zealand Waitangi Day
Our national day, Waitangi Day, is celebrated on 6 February every year. The day commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 and is a time for Maori and Pakeha to reflect on our nationhood and our future. Find out more about Waitangi Day: its history, Maori protests and how we celebrate the day.
What is Waitangi Day?
Waitangi Day is New Zealand’s national day and commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand’s founding document, in 1840. This agreement was signed by Maori tribal leaders and representatives of the British Crown, but has since been the focus for controversy.
When is Waitangi Day?
Our national day, Waitangi Day, is celebrated every year on February 6.
Waitangi Day history
The Treaty of Waitangi was signed on February 6, 1840, near what is now known as Treaty House at Waitangi in the Bay of Islands. While the document gave Maori rights to their land, it also brought New Zealand under the control of the British Empire. Language differences and incorrect translation meant that Maori and English versions of the Treaty differed greatly - there has been much debate during the twentieth century about the terms agreed to within the Treaty. Settlements between Maori and the New Zealand Government of today are ongoing.
Find out more about Waitangi Day history and the Treaty of Waitangi:
- Read the Treaty of Waitangi document in English and Maori
- Find more on the drafting and signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840
- Look at the history of the Treaty and the role of the Treaty of Waitangi today in New Zealand
- Read information on who signed the Treaty of Waitangi
Waitangi Day celebrations
Waitangi Day was first celebrated in 1934. (Before this time, January 29 was celebrated, as this was the day British Crown representative William Hobson arrived in the Bay of Islands). In 1934, the Treaty House and surrounding grounds were declared a public reserve, and the first Waitangi Day celebrations took place. Annual celebrations began some years later, in 1947.
Waitangi Day as a public holiday
From 1974, Waitangi Day became a public holiday – and took on the role of New Zealand’s national day. Briefly called New Zealand Day, the holiday was renamed Waitangi Day in 1976 to recognise the significance of the Treaty of Waitangi to New Zealand’s nationhood, national identity and history.
Waitangi Day protests
Because of the differing interpretation of the Treaty of Waitangi by Maori and Pakeha (New Zealand European), protests have often overshadowed major Waitangi Day celebrations. Maori activists have highlighted issues of injustice surrounding the Treaty and called for greater recognition of the Treaty’s agreements. Waitangi protests are often most volatile at Waitangi itself, where activists who support full Maori sovereignty attempt to fly the Maori Sovereign flag and interrupt official Government celebrations of Waitangi Day.
Celebrate Waitangi Day in your area
Today, the day is seen by some as divisive, so celebrations focus on the unity of Maori and Pakeha in New Zealand. As well as official Waitangi Day celebrations, there are many Waitangi Day events, concerts and festivals throughout New Zealand, celebrating our nationhood:
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds - Located near Paihia, commemorative activities begin at 5:00am with a dawn raising of the flags.
- Waitangi Festival - Celebrations at Paihia featuring a family fun day and two concerts in the lead-up to Waitangi Day.
- Groove in the Park - An Auckland Waitangi Day event showcasing great international and local music, including Supergroove and the Open Souls.
- One Love – Events in Wellington and Christchurch, celebrating Waitangi Day (and Bob Marley’s birthday!) with reggae and dub music, entertainment and good food.
Looking for more information? Find Waitangi Day in the NZS.com directory.
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Seasons and Celebrations images from Flickr: Marai, Chickees and Chocolate Bunnies.
