Image: Reconstructing the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi by Marcus King from Archives New Zealand on Flickr.
Waitangi Day is a special day in New Zealand’s history. This year it will be celebrated on Saturday 6th of February. Waitangi Day is a public holiday. Therefore, Wellington City Libraries (except He Matapihi Molesworth Library) will be closed Saturday 6th February. All Wellington City Libraries’ branches will be closed Monday 8th February, which is observed as a Waitangi Day Holiday.
Image: The Signing of the Treaty of Waitangi by Ōriwa Haddon from Archives New Zealand on Flickr.
What is Waitangi Day?
Waitangi Day marks the anniversary of the initial signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. on 6th February 1840. The Treaty is the founding document of the nation and an agreement, in Māori and English, that was made between the British Crown and about 540 Māori rangatira (chiefs).
Did you know? The first Waitangi Day was not celebrated until 1934, and it was made a national public holiday in 1974
What’s on this Waitangi Day?
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- Te Rā o Waitangi 2021 and Whanau Film Night: Wellington City Council has put together an amazing weekend of events to commemorate Waitangi Day, which includes a delicious hāngi will be available from midday, Whanau Film Night and an award-winning line-up of Māori performers, food and culture.
- As part of the National Library’s Waitangi Day commemorations, our own He Matapihi Library (housed on-site at the National Library), will be open on Saturday 6th of February for the day for browsing, and will host a children’s puppet show called Nan and Tuna from 10:30 – 11:10am. Check our the Wellington City Libraries’ events calendar for more information. Check out a preview of Nan and Tuna down below!
- Click here to find out what other events are on in Wellington to celebrate Waitangi Day.
Where can I find information about Waitangi Day?
- ManyAnswers has some pages dedicated to websites, resources and ways to search for information about Waitangi Day. There are also pages suitable for both Primary and Secondary school students.
- NZ History has an amazing page dedicated to Waitangi Day.
- Te Ara has a page and information dedicated to the Treaty of Waitangi.
- The Waitangi Tribunal was set up by the Government of New Zealand. It has resources especially for primary schools. You can read The Treaty of Waitangi Past and Present and look at pictures on the Treaty of Waitangi Image Sheets.
- The National Library has a page dedicated to websites, resources and ways to search for information about Waitangi Day.
- See who signed the Treaty of Waitangi and further information about treaty signatories and signing locations.
- See images on Digital NZ related to the Treaty of Waitangi.
- Search our catalogue for more children’s books about Waitangi Day!