Waitangi Day (New Zealand)
Waitangi Day, observed on February 6, marks the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, a pivotal event in New Zealand's history that established British governance over the islands. This treaty, signed by over five hundred Māori chiefs at Waitangi, is often viewed as a foundational document for New Zealand's nationhood. However, the historical context surrounding the treaty is complex and controversial, particularly regarding the treatment of the Māori people during colonization and the differing interpretations of the treaty's terms.
Since its inception as a national holiday in 1974, Waitangi Day has evolved into a multifaceted occasion that includes celebrations, reflections, and protests. The day is marked by various activities, including a free festival at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, featuring cultural performances, political discussions, and communal festivities. While many New Zealanders celebrate the day with events such as music, sports, and family gatherings, some Māori continue to express grievances regarding historical injustices and the treaty’s implementation.
As a result, Waitangi Day serves not only as a celebration of New Zealand's heritage but also as a platform for ongoing dialogue about Māori rights and the legacy of colonization, reflecting the diverse perspectives within New Zealand society.
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Waitangi Day (New Zealand)
Waitangi Day (New Zealand)
Waitangi Day commemorates the signing on February 6, 1840, of the Treaty of Waitangi, which established British power in what would one day become the modern-day nation of New Zealand. While the events surrounding Waitangi Day were of undisputed historical importance to New Zealanders in creating their nation, the treatment of aboriginal peoples in the process has raised a significant amount of historical controversy.
In the late eighteenth century, Great Britain began to colonize the South Pacific, including but not limited to Australia and its outlying islands. The entire region was a vast and largely unexplored territory, whose value was at first thought by the British to consist chiefly in land for the relocation of convicts and some convenient ports for the resupply and maintenance of the royal fleet. However, land-hungry colonists began to flock to this remote and barely accessible region. Further, the British became concerned that France or some other European rival would establish a presence in the region and threaten British strategic interests. Therefore, the British began to consolidate their power. By 1832 they had decided to incorporate the islands of New Zealand into their sphere of influence.
James Busby was assigned the job of pursuing British ambitions in New Zealand and negotiating land cessions with the native Māori people, but he was unsuccessful. A captain, William Hobson, was sent to help him, given the rank of lieutenant-governor, and shortly after his arrival in January 1840 arranged for a meeting with leading Māori chiefs. Hobson managed to convince the Māoris that a treaty with Britain, which was effectively a treaty of colonization, would be the only way to preserve peace and Māori land rights in dealings with the British settlers who were already colonizing the country. Therefore, after some heated debate, on February 6 more than five hundred chiefs signed the treaty at a site known as Waitangi, hence the name Treaty of Waitangi. On May 21, 1840, Great Britain declared New Zealand's northern island to be a British colony, and on June 17, 1840, it also annexed New Zealand's southern island, even though just one of the chiefs of that island had consented to the treaty.
Following the Treaty of Waitangi, the colony of New Zealand experienced an influx of settlers and considerable economic development, eventually resulting in its establishment as an independent nation many years later. However, the majority of New Zealanders came to be persons of white European ancestry, outnumbering the Māoris. In 1934 New Zealand began celebrating Waitangi Day as a national historic event, and it was declared an nationwide public holiday in 1974.
Māori people have disputed the fairness of the historical record. They note the wording of the te reo Māori version of the treaty said "governance" where the English-language version stated "sovereignty." Māoris thus believe that subsequent acts by the British and then New Zealanders violated the treaty terms. After Waitangi Day was instituted, it became a time of Māori protest, particularly from the 1960s through the 1980s. Some land claims were later settled, and the Māori view of the treaty gained broader acceptance. Debate over the holiday remains in the twenty-first century, however. Some Māoris continue to protest, sometimes violently, while others host debates or hold educational events.
On Waitangi Day, a free festival takes place at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, involving a religious service, political speeches, a fair, sports, music and dance, food, children's activities, flag ceremonies, and a historical reenactment. The largest waka, a ceremonial war canoe, is blessed and displayed. In the 2000s and 2010s, community-wide events expanded around the country as well. Live music, picnics, barbecues, kite-flying, canoe racing, arts and crafts, beach going, sports, and storytelling are common. Expatriates also observe the day with parties.
Bibliography
“A Brief History of Waitangi Day.” NZ Herald, 5 Feb. 2016, www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c‗id=1&objectid=11583909. Accessed 9 Apr. 2020.
Belgrave, Michael. “Waitangi Day and Australia Day: Contrasting Symbolism.” The Interpreter, Lowy Institute, 24 Jan. 2018, www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/waitangi-day-day-shows-new-zealand-and-australia-are-two-different-countries. Accessed 9 Apr. 2020.
“Celebrating New Zealand’s Waitangi Day.” 100% Pure New Zealand, New Zealand Tourism, 6 Feb. 2019, media.newzealand.com/en/events/celebrating-new-zealands-waitangi-day. Accessed 9 Apr. 2020.
Maxwell, Joel, and Virginia Fallon. “What Does Waitangi Day Mean to You? He Aha Te Tikanga o Te Rangi o Waitangi Ki a Koe?” Stuff, 6 Feb. 2020, www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/119239584/what-does-waitangi-day-mean-to-you-he-aha-te-tikanga-o-te-rangi-o-waitangi-ki-a-koe. Accessed 9 Apr. 2020.
“Waitangi Day.” NZHistory, New Zealand Government, 2014, nzhistory.govt.nz/politics/treaty/waitangi-day. Accessed 9 Apr. 2020.
“Waitangi Day.” Waitangi Treaty Grounds, 2019, www.waitangi.org.nz/whats-on/waitangi-day. Accessed 9 Apr. 2020.