Waitangi Day 2024 (New Zealand): Waitangi Day is observed annually on February 6 to commemorate the signing of the founding document of New Zealand, the Treaty of Waitangi. In New Zealand, this day is observed as a public holiday, unless it occurs on a weekend, in which case the following Monday is observed as a public holiday. Decade-specific ceremonies are held at Waitangi and throughout the nation to honor the treaty’s signing.
Waitangi Day History
Waitangi Day is the national holiday of New Zealand, which provides the populace with a much-needed day off! While the legislation designates this day as a national holiday, it also serves as an occasion to contemplate the contentious nature of the Treaty of Waitangi and its enduring repercussions on contemporary society.
The inaugural ratification of the Treaty of Waitangi took place on February 6, 1840, between envoys of the British Crown and over forty Māori chiefs. By September 1840, 500 Māori chiefs had endorsed duplicates of the treaty, which were subsequently disseminated throughout New Zealand.
The political accord between Māori chiefs and British officials regarding the formation of a nation-state and the establishment of a government is delineated in the Treaty of Waitangi. Significant differences between the Māori and English variants of the treaty have resulted in considerable contention regarding land ownership under the treaty, which has remained a source of contention ever since.
Official observance of Waitangi Day commenced in 1934, and the New Zealand Labour Party officially proposed its designation as a public holiday in their party manifesto in 1957. Legislation was enacted in the latter part of 1973 to designate this date as a public holiday across the nation. However, there was criticism that the renaming of the date to New Zealand Day diminished ‘Te Tiriti’. It was renamed Waitangi Day and designated a public holiday under the Waitangi Day Act of 1976.
Presently, on February 6, Waitangi Day is observed throughout New Zealand. Throughout the year, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the document was first signed, are an excellent location to learn about the Treaty of Waitangi.
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FAQs on Waitangi Day
In New Zealand, how is Waitangi Day observed?
Public celebrations on Waitangi Day consist of Māori ceremonies, athletic competitions, musical performances, and demonstrations.
Which linguistic groups are present in New Zealand?
The prevalent languages spoken in the country are English, Te Samoan, Northern Chinese (including Mandarin), and Samoan.
Describe a hongi.
A hongi is a customary New Zealand greeting in which two individuals inhale and press their nostrils together while exhaling.
Waitangi Day 2024 (New Zealand) Activities
Commemorate alongside New Zealanders
Although it is also the site of protests, official Waitangi celebrations are held on the Waitangi Treaty grounds and are predominantly positive, featuring several events and speeches from government officials. Participate in the festivities if you are in New Zealand at that time, or share information with your social media followers using the hashtag #Waitangiday.
Educate oneself on history
This day is steeped in history, beginning with the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi and continuing through the subsequent events. You may dedicate the day to acquiring knowledge regarding the progressive development of this occasion over time, as well as the festivities and disputes that have surrounded it.
Gain exposure to Māori culture
Fully engage in the Māori culture. Dine at any establishment that serves traditional Māori cuisine to feast on its distinctive flavors. You can view kapa haka performances and learn about traditional Māori dance online if you have concerns about trying new foods.
Five interesting facts about New Zealand
Waitangi Day has undergone numerous name changes.
There have been several instances in which this day has been referred to as Waitangi Day or New Zealand Day.
Last inhabited by Homo sapiens.
It was the Māori who were the initial inhabitants of the country, having arrived only 800 years ago.
Three recognized languages
Māori, English, and New Zealand sign language are all recognized as official languages in New Zealand.
The Olympic medalists
Per capita, New Zealand has amassed the most Olympic gold medals of any nation.
The majority of animals were not indigenous.
Except for bats, Europeans and Mori introduced all other land mammals to the country.
WAITANGI DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | February 6 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | February 6 | Thursday |
| 2026 | February 6 | Friday |
| 2027 | February 6 | Saturday |
| 2028 | February 6 | Sunday |
