Today marks Waitangi Day, where we commemorate the signing of New Zealand’s most historic document, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, The Treaty of Waitangi. On this day in 1840, representatives of the British Crown met with over 500 Maori chiefs in Waitangi, Northland, to sign what is considered to be New Zealand’s founding document.
Waitangi Day has been a public holiday since 1934, but this is the first year it has been ‘Monday-ised,’ which makes it the last official long weekend of the summer.
This year, as always, there are hundreds of ways to celebrate New Zealand’s cultural diversity. Family and community oriented events are being held around the country including concerts, family entertainment, exhibitions, and educational activities.
Waitangi Day at the Treaty Grounds starts at 5am with the traditional Dawn Service in Te Whare Rūnanga, the carved meeting house. Throughout the day there is continuous entertainment at three different areas of the grounds: Upper Treaty Grounds, Waka Stage and the Sports Field opposite the Treaty Grounds. Some 150 market stalls have art, craft, clothing and a large variety of food for sale. Children’s activities include bouncy castles, kids racing cars and sports games.
While there is always heated debate around Waitangi Day, it is also an excellent opportunity to reflect on what it is we treasure about New Zealand and the people who live here.
For a comprehensive list of the events on around New Zealand today (weather permitting), click here.
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