Read Both Treaty Texts
Compare trusted translations and explanations of te Tiriti and the English Treaty text.
Things to Do on Waitangi Day
Find useful things to do on Waitangi Day and during the surrounding holiday period.
Things to Do on Waitangi Day
Attend a Community Event
Use an official local program to find ceremonies, festivals, talks, and family activities.
Visit a Treaty Site
Explore Waitangi or one of the signing locations and learn which rangatira signed there.
Listen to Maori Perspectives
Choose resources led by Maori historians, institutions, and communities to understand the treaty's continuing meaning.
Common questions
Waitangi Day FAQ
Clear answers about the date, meaning, and observance.
When is Waitangi Day in 2026?
Waitangi Day in 2026 is Friday, February 6, 2026.
What does Waitangi Day commemorate?
It marks the first signing of te Tiriti o Waitangi at Waitangi on February 6, 1840.
Why are there two treaty texts?
The treaty was prepared in English and translated into Maori, and differences between the texts remain historically and legally important.
When did Waitangi Day become a nationwide public holiday?
It became a nationwide public holiday in 1974.
How is Waitangi Day observed?
Observance includes ceremonies, waka, kapa haka, music, festivals, education, reflection, and public debate.