Waitangi Day

Waitangi Day (Māori: Te Rā o Waitangi), the national day of New Zealand, celebrates the anniversary of the initial signing – on 6 February 1840 – of the Treaty of Waitangi, which is seen as the founding document of the nation. The first Waitangi Day was not celebrated until 1934, and it was made a national public holiday in 1974.

Waitangi Day Media

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  Treaty House and grounds at Waitangi, where the treaty was first signed. The first Waitangi Day was celebrated in the grounds on 6 February 1934.

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  Norman Kirk and a Māori boy on Waitangi Day, 1973

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  The challenge at Waitangi Day, 1976, with Prime Minister Robert Muldoon present

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  The flagstaff at Waitangi, the focus of significant protest. On the flagstaff is flown, from left, the Flag of the United Tribes of New Zealand; the Ensign of the Royal New Zealand Navy, and the Union Flag.

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  Maori protesters near Waitangi on Waitangi Day, national day of New Zealand.