Waitangi Day

/ waɪˈtʌŋiː /

noun

1. the national day of New Zealand (Feb 6), commemorating the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi (1840) by Māori chiefs and a representative of the British Government. The treaty provided the basis for the British annexation of New Zealand

Example Sentences

The holiday, known as Waitangi Day, is held on Feb. 6 to mark the anniversary of the Treaty of Waitangi, a foundation document signed by British colonists and Maori chiefs in 1840 that establishes and guides the relationship between New Zealand’s government and its Indigenous population.

From Seattle Times

He first paddled on the river in a traditional Māori long canoe in 1979, when he and about 20 co-workers at a slaughterhouse got together for a regatta on Waitangi Day, commemorating the 1840 treaty signed between the British and Māori.

From Seattle Times

In years past, many would protest on the Waitangi Day for civil and social rights, criticising successive governments for not doing enough.

From Reuters

Waitangi Day is named for the region on the North Island where representatives of the British Crown and more than 500 indigenous Maori chiefs signed a founding treaty in 1840.

From Reuters

Ardern and Governor-General Cindy Kiro, who is also isolating while awaiting a second test, were in the Northland region to do some filming ahead of New Zealand’s national day, Waitangi Day, on Feb. 6.

From Seattle Times