News
06 February 2011
6 February 2011 New Zealand marks the 171th anniversary of the Treaty of Waitangi, the country's founding document.
Every year on 6 February, New Zealand marks the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. In that year, representatives of the British Crown and over 500 Maori signed what is New Zealand's founding document.
The day was first officially commemorated in 1934. The national holiday was first declared in 1974, and since then has grown in significance for all New Zealanders through the Maori renaissance that has fostered better understanding of the Treaty's ramifications.
The day was first officially commemorated in 1934. The national holiday was first declared in 1974, and since then has grown in significance for all New Zealanders through the Maori renaissance that has fostered better understanding of the Treaty's ramifications.
Official celebrations are held at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in the Bay of Islands, Northland, but there are also many other events throughout the country.