Waitangi Day

This is a public holiday in New Zealand and celebrates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, the founding document of the country, on this day in 1840. It was signed in a marquee in the grounds of James Busby’s house (now known as the Treaty house) at Waitangi in the Bay of Islands. The treaty made the country part of the British Empire, guaranteed Maori rights to their land and gave Maori the rights of British subjects. Ceremonies take place at Waitangi and elsewhere to commemorate the signing. Other celebrations include parties, Maori hui (social gatherings), official awards and citizenship ceremonies.