Holiday overview
Waitangi Day
Waitangi Day is New Zealand's national day, commemorating the 1840 signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.
About this holiday
Waitangi Day is New Zealand's national day and commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi on February 6, 1840. It is both a public holiday and a day of reflection on nationhood, Maori-Crown relations, and the country's shared but debated historical foundations.
History
The day centers on the Treaty of Waitangi, signed in 1840 between representatives of the British Crown and many Maori chiefs. Over time, Waitangi Day has become both a formal national commemoration and a focal point for discussion about sovereignty, partnership, rights, and historical justice in New Zealand.
Traditions
- Attending ceremonies, performances, and community events at Waitangi and across New Zealand
- Reflecting on the Treaty, Maori culture, and the country's national story
- Joining family gatherings, public discussions, concerts, or local cultural festivals
Where and when this holiday appears
| Date | Weekday | Countries |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday |  New Zealand |
| Date | Weekday | Countries |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | New Zealand |
| Date | Weekday | Countries |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | New Zealand |
Related holidays
Frequently asked questions
Is Waitangi Day a public holiday in New Zealand?
Yes. Waitangi Day is a national public holiday in New Zealand, although the way it is marked can vary by community and year.
What does Waitangi Day commemorate?
It commemorates the 1840 signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, an agreement that remains central to New Zealand's constitutional and historical identity.
Why is Waitangi Day sometimes politically significant?
Because the Treaty of Waitangi is still debated and interpreted in public life, the day often includes discussion about Maori rights, government responsibility, and the meaning of partnership in New Zealand.