Waitangi Day facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Waitangi Day |
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Traditional celebrations at Waitangi
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| Observed by | New Zealanders |
| Type | National |
| Significance | Commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, regarded as the nation's founding document |
| Observances |
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| Date | 6 February |
| Next time | 6 February 2027 |
| Frequency | Annual |
| First time | 1934 |
Waitangi Day (Māori: Te Rā o Waitangi) is the national day of New Zealand. It celebrates the anniversary of the first signing of the Treaty of Waitangi on February 6, 1840. This treaty was an important agreement between representatives of the British Crown and Māori chiefs. Many people consider it the document that helped create the nation of New Zealand.
Waitangi Day was first celebrated in 1934. It became a national public holiday in 1974. The anniversary is marked every year on February 6. If this date falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the public holiday is observed on the following Monday.
Special ceremonies take place at Waitangi and other places to remember the treaty signing. Many different events are held. These include parties, Māori hui (social gatherings), and reflections on New Zealand history. Official awards and Citizenship ceremonies also happen. Sometimes, Māori people use this day to share their views and hopes for the future of New Zealand.
Contents
Waitangi Day: New Zealand's National Celebration
The Story of the Treaty of Waitangi
The Treaty of Waitangi (Māori: Te Tiriti o Waitangi) was first signed on February 6, 1840. This happened at the house of James Busby in Waitangi, in the Bay of Islands. This house is now known as the Treaty House.
Representatives for the British Crown and about 45 Māori chiefs signed the treaty first. Over the next seven months, copies of the treaty traveled around New Zealand. Eventually, about 540 Māori chiefs signed it. This signing helped make New Zealand a British colony. William Hobson, the Lieutenant-Governor of New Zealand, officially announced this on May 21, 1840.
Early Ways of Remembering
Before 1934, New Zealand's founding as a colony was often celebrated on January 29. This was the day William Hobson arrived in the Bay of Islands.
In 1932, Governor-General Lord Bledisloe and his wife bought James Busby's old house. They gave it to the nation. They also donated money to fix it up. The Treaty House and its grounds became a public park. It was officially opened on February 6, 1934. This event is seen as the very first Waitangi Day celebration.
In 1940, another event was held at the grounds. This marked 100 years since the treaty was signed. This celebration was very successful. It helped more people learn about the treaty and its importance.
How the Day Became a Holiday
Yearly celebrations of the treaty signing began in 1947. The first event was a Royal New Zealand Navy ceremony. It focused on a flagpole the Navy had put up. At first, no Māori people were part of the ceremony.
The next year, a Māori speaker was added. More parts were added almost every year. From 1952, the governor-general attended. From 1958, the prime minister also started to attend. By the mid-1950s, a Māori cultural performance was usually part of the ceremony. Many of these traditions continue today. They include a naval salute, a Māori welcome (pōwhiri), and speeches from Māori and Pākehā (non-Māori) leaders.
The Labour Party wanted to make Waitangi Day a public holiday in 1957. But after winning the election, they said the country could not afford it. The Waitangi Day Act of 1960 allowed local areas to move their regional holiday to Waitangi Day. In 1963, the Northland area made Waitangi Day its holiday.
Waitangi Day became a national public holiday in 1974. Before this, there was a discussion about changing its name to New Zealand Day. In 1971, Matiu Rata, a Māori politician, tried to make this happen.
After the 1972 election, Prime Minister Norman Kirk announced the change. From 1974, Waitangi Day would be a national holiday called New Zealand Day. The New Zealand Day Act was passed in 1973. Kirk believed this showed New Zealand was ready to be seen as a stronger nation. In 1974, the Flag of New Zealand was flown at Waitangi for the first time. Before this, the Union Jack (British flag) was used.
However, in 1975, the new Prime Minister Robert Muldoon changed the name back to Waitangi Day. He did not like "New Zealand Day." Many Māori also felt that "New Zealand Day" did not properly respect the treaty. Another Waitangi Day Act was passed in 1976 to make this change.
Celebrating Across New Zealand
Events at Waitangi Grounds
Celebrations at Waitangi usually begin two or three days before Waitangi Day. At Te Tii Waitangi marae, political leaders are welcomed. They listen to speeches from the local iwi (Māori tribes). These speeches often talk about important issues of the day.
On Waitangi Day itself, a public service is held at dawn. This service is organized by the Waitangi National Trust. Māori elders, religious leaders, politicians, and defense force members attend. In 2021, this included hīmene (hymns), religious readings, and prayers in many languages. The Royal New Zealand Navy raises flags on the flagstaff.
Since 2018, government members, including the prime minister, have served a barbeque breakfast to the public. This happens after the dawn service. Throughout the day, there are cultural shows like kapa haka (Māori dance and song). There are also wānanga (educational discussions) and other entertainment. Several waka (traditional canoes) and sometimes a navy ship perform in the harbor. The day ends with the Navy lowering the flags in a special ceremony.
Celebrations in Other Towns
Some marae use Waitangi Day as an open day. This allows local communities to learn about Māori culture and traditions. It is also a chance to discuss the future for Māori in New Zealand.
Compared to national days in many other countries, celebrations are generally quieter. There are no large parades or fireworks displays.
City councils, museums, libraries, and art galleries across New Zealand offer free events. For example, in 2023, Waikato Museum had Māori weaving demonstrations and live music. In Wellington, there was a concert at Waitangi Park. There were also waka salutes and tours to see the original 1840 Te Tiriti o Waitangi document.
Waitangi Day Around the World
In Australia
New Zealanders living in Australia also celebrate Waitangi Day. At the Kingston Butter Factory in Kingston, Queensland, a multicultural festival was held annually from 2002. In Sydney, thousands of people attended the 2013 Waitangi Day Festival. This festival featured Māori artifacts, haka performances, and Māori culture. In 2015, a commemoration focused on the treaty's meaning was held at Nurragingy Reserve.
In the United Kingdom
In London, England, many New Zealanders live there. They celebrate the national day with the Waitangi Day Charitable Ball. This ball also hosts the annual UK New Zealander of the Year awards. It includes cultural entertainment from the London-based Māori group Ngāti Rānana. A special church service is also held by the New Zealand Society.
Elsewhere in the World
In many other countries with New Zealanders living there, Waitangi Day is celebrated privately. All New Zealand embassies and high commissions officially mark the day.
For Waitangi Day 2007, Air New Zealand asked New Zealanders in Los Angeles to create a sand sculpture. They made a silver fern on Santa Monica Beach. This created a lot of interest in the area.
Interesting facts about Waitangi Day
- Waitangi Day marks the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. This was an important agreement between Māori chiefs and representatives of the British Crown.
- The Treaty was signed in a beautiful place called Waitangi, in the Bay of Islands, which is in the North Island of New Zealand.
- It's a day for everyone in New Zealand to remember their history and think about how different cultures, especially Māori and Pākehā (New Zealanders of European descent), live together.
- In 2013, a law was passed for 'Mondayisation'. This means if February 6 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the public holiday is moved to the following Monday.
- The governor-general hosts an annual garden party for guests at Government House in Wellington on Waitangi Day.
- At Government House in Auckland, Citizenship ceremonies are often held.
- Since the day is a public holiday and falls during the warmest part of summer, many people also spend the day at the beach.
- Since 2014, the New Zealand Society of Authors gives out the Waitangi Day Literary Honours on Waitangi Day.
See also
In Spanish: Día de Waitangi para niños
- New Zealand Day Act 1973
- Waitangi Day Acts
 | Sharif Bey |
 | Hale Woodruff |
 | Richmond Barthé |
 | Purvis Young |
