What is the meaning of Waitangi Day in New Zealand?

What is the meaning of Waitangi Day in New Zealand?

Waitangi Day, New Zealand’s national day. Every year on 6 February – Waitangi Day – people of all communities and backgrounds usually gather at Waitangi to commemorate the first signing of New Zealand’s founding document: Te Tiriti o Waitangi, The Treaty of Waitangi, on 6 February 1840.

How do they celebrate Waitangi Day in New Zealand?

Waitangi Day—February 6, the anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi (1840)—is considered the country’s national day. Commemorations are centred on Waitangi but are held throughout the country. Public celebrations include Māori ceremonies as well as sporting events, music, and parades.

When did New Zealand day change to Waitangi Day?

By the late 1950s, February 6 was thought of as New Zealand’s unofficial national day. It officially received the name ‘Waitangi Day’ in 1960, through the Waitangi Day Act.

What is Waitangi Day Observed?

Waitangi Day is New Zealand’s national day. It is a holiday held annually on February 6th to commemorate the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi – New Zealand’s founding document – on February 6th 1840.

Why do people protest Waitangi Day?

In 2004 some Māori used Waitangi Day to protest about the government’s legislation regarding the seabed and foreshore. In the days leading up to Waitangi Day, National Party politicians were pelted with mud, and members of the government were jostled as they entered Te Tii marae.

Why is the Treaty of Waitangi important?

Why the Treaty is important. The Treaty governs the relationship between Māori – the tangata whenua (indigenous people) – and everyone else, and ensures the rights of both Māori and Pakeha (non-Māori) are protected.

What are the 3 principles of the Treaty of Waitangi?

The “3 Ps” comprise the well-established Crown Treaty framework – the principles of partnership, participation and protection.

Why is it called Waitangi?

The Treaty of Waitangi is New Zealand’s founding document. It takes its name from the place in the Bay of Islands where it was first signed, on 6 February 1840.

What does Waitangi mean in English?

There are several possible meanings for ‘Waitangi’ – it literally translates as ‘noisy or weeping water. ‘ Reed’s Place Names of New Zealand notes that the literal meaning of the Waitangi in the Bay of Islands may refer to the noise of Haruru Falls at the mouth of the Waitangi River.

What are the 4 principles of the Treaty of Waitangi?

The freedom of the Crown to govern. The Crown’s duty of active protection. The duty of the Crown to remedy past breaches. Māori to retain rangatiratanga over their resources and taonga and have all citizenship privileges.

What are the 5 principles of the Treaty of Waitangi?

Te Tiriti o Waitangi

• Self-Determination / Tino Rangatiratanga: The principle of self-determination – this provides for Māori self-determination and mana motuhake.
• Partnership / Pātuitanga: The principle of partnership – requires the Council and iwi/Māori to work with each other in a strong and enduring relationship.