Waitangi Day (Māori: Te Rā o Waitangi), the national day of New Zealand, marks the anniversary of the initial signing—on 6 February 1840—of the Treaty of Waitangi.

Every year on 6 February – Waitangi Day – people of all communities and backgrounds gather at Waitangi to commemorate the first signing of New Zealand’s founding document: Te Tiriti o Waitangi, The Treaty of Waitangi, on 6 February 1840.

Aug 5, 2014 · Every year on 6 February, New Zealand marks the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. For most people, Waitangi Day is a holiday; for many, and especially for Māori, it is a time for reflecting on the Treaty and its place in modern New Zealand.

Feb 3, 2024 · How does New Zealand celebrate Waitangi Day? The main Waitangi Day celebration occurs in Waitangi at the Treaty Grounds. The country’s leaders and communities gather there each year to honour the day. The day begins with a dawn service at 5am in Te Whare Runanga, the carved meeting house.

Feb 6, 2022 · Waitangi Day is celebrated annually on February 6 to commemorate the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand’s founding document. This day is recognized as a public holiday in New Zealand, unless the date falls on a weekend, in which case the Monday that immediately follows becomes a public holiday.

Feb 4, 2021 · Recognition as a national day. By the late 1950s, February 6 was thought of as New Zealand’s unofficial national day. It officially received the name ‘Waitangi Day’ in 1960, through the Waitangi Day Act. The Act, however, did not make it a public holiday.

Waitangi Day 2026 and 2027. Waitangi Day is held every 6 February to celebrate the signing of the Waitangi Treaty in 1840 at the home of James Busby at Waitangi.

Feb 6, 2025 · Waitangi Day, every February 6th, is celebrated by people throughout the country of New Zealand, particularly in the Bay Islands. Events can last for up to three days, including a special opening service takes place at dawn on Waitangi Day at the Treaty Grounds.

Sep 7, 2022 · Waitangi Day: A Historical New Zealand Public Holiday. On 6-February every year, New Zealanders celebrate the anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi with a national public holiday. While the laws in New Zealand mean this is a public holiday yay, a day off work! it is also a time of reflection for the controversy that surrounded ...

Jan 3, 2024 · Although many kiwis in New Zealand relish a long weekend on Waitangi Day, it's crucial to respect the day's historical significance and acknowledge the ongoing hardships faced by Māori in the country.