Waitangi Day

Waitangi Day is the national day of New Zealand celebrated every February 6th to commemorate the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi originally signed on February 6, 1840 in the home of James Busby. The treaty is an agreement between Great Britain and  Māori Chiefs who were under the impression their would receive protection from the British while retaining control over their own affairs.

Today, celebrations are held across New Zealand commemorating the day with speeches, ceremonial war canoe traditions, and kite flying.

Below are resources that further investigate the Treaty and others on New Zealand in general.

Metge, J. (2010). Tuamaka: the challenge of difference in Aotearoa New Zealand. Auckland, NZ: Auckland University Press.

"This invaluable volume narrates the history of a multicultural New Zealand in which both Māori and non-Māori individuals cohabitate. Arguing that the Treaty of Waitangi of 1840 - signed by the indigenous Māori and the British - established a foundation from which New Zealanders could grow and prosper, this account demonstrates how two cultures met, disputed, and dealt with diversity." - From Publisher

O'Malley, V., Stirling, B., & Penetito, W. (2010). The Treaty of Waitangi companion: Māori and Pākehā from Tasman to today. Auckland, NZ: Auckland University Press. 

"The first comprehensive guide to key documents and notable quotations on New Zealandʻs Treaty of Waitangi, this volume explores the relationship between the Māori and the Pākehā, New Zealanders who are not of Māori descent... Thorough and informative, this is a significant work that will appeal to those interested in pacifism, biculturalism, and racial equality."
- From Publisher

World Trade Press. (2010). New Zealand [electronic resource]: society & culture. Petaluma, CA: World Trade Press.

"Need to know it all? Our all-inclusive culture report for New Zealand will get up to speed on all aspects of culture in New Zealand, including life-cycle, religion, women, superstitions & folklore, sports, holidays & festivals, and etiquette." - From Publishers