Waitangi Day 2025
WAITANGI DAY (Te Rā o Waitangi) is the national day of Aotearoa New Zealand. It marks the anniversary of the initial signing of the Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o Waitangi) on 6th February 1840.
The Treaty of Waitangi was an agreement between the Crown and Māori chiefs. It is regarded by many as the founding document of New Zealand.
Waitangi Day was first celebrated in 1934. It was made a national public holiday in 1974. It is marked on 6th February. If it falls during the weekend, it is Mondayised.
It is marked by ceremonies at Waitangi and elsewhere to commemorate the signing of the treaty. It is also marked by parties, Māori hui, official awards and citizenship ceremonies.
Over the years, it has become controversial and is a focus of protest by Māori activists. The Treaty was first signed on 6th February 1840 on the grounds of James Busby’s house, now known as the Treaty House, at Waitangi, Bay of Islands, by representatives of the Crown and about 45 Māori chiefs. During the next seven months copies of the Treaty were taken around New Zealand and signed eventually by about 540 Māori chiefs.
Before 1934, most celebrations of the founding of New Zealand were held on 29th January, the date on which William Hobson arrived in the Bay of Islands to issue the proclamation of his appointment. In 1932, Governor-General Lord Bledisloe and his wife purchased and presented James Busby’s house to the nation. They later donated £500 for the restoration of the building. The Treaty House and grounds were made a public reserve, which was dedicated on 6 February 1934. This event is considered to be the first Waitangi Day.
In 1940, another event was held at the grounds, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the treaty signing. The event helped raise the profile of the treaty and its day of observance in the national consciousness. Annual commemorations of the treaty signing began in 1947. The 1947 event was a Royal New Zealand Navy ceremony.
Over the years many additions were made to the ceremony. These days, the ceremony includes a naval salute, a pōwhiri and speeches from Māori and Pākehā dignitaries. In 1973, under Prime Minister Norman Kirk, the New Zealand Day Act was passed and it was announced that Waitangi Day would become a national holiday known as New Zealand Day. In 1976 under Prime Minister Robert Muldoon the name was changed back to Waitangi Day. Legislation to Mondayise Waitangi Day was enacted in 2013.
As there is increasing controversy about Waitangi Day, this is a time to reflect upon our values, especially about fairness, equality and justice.
Namaste
Frank
