The National Day of New Zealand is on the 6 February (Waitangi Day, signing of the Treaty of Waitangi 1840). So as you can see that the National Day of New Zealand is Waitangi Day, which is celebrated annually on the 6th February.
National Day of New Zealand
The national day is there to remind us of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi on the 6th February 1840. This was the treaty between the British Crown and and more than 500 Māori chiefs. This however also paved the way for the British colonisation of New Zealand. You will note that Waitangi Day is officially a public holiday in New Zealand.
The Treaty of Waitangi has become controversial due to its interpretations. There are three main articles in the agreement. The first article guarantees the Māori people full possession of their lands, forests, and fisheries. The second article provides the Māori people with the same rights and privileges as British citizens. The third article establishes the British Crown’s exclusive right to purchase Māori land if it is to be sold. The translations or meaning in the agreements many say are not the same. The English version is not exactly like the Māori version. You can also see the National Day of Philippines as well as the National Day of Pakistan. There is also the National Day of Cook Islands.
Public Holidays in New Zealand
The following is a list of the public holidays in New Zealand:
- New Year’s Day – 1st January
- Day after New Year’s Day – 2nd January
- Waitangi Day – 6th February
- Good Friday – varies each year according to the Christian calendar
- Easter Monday – varies each year according to the Christian calendar
- ANZAC Day – 25th April
- Queen’s Birthday – first Monday in June
- Labour Day – fourth Monday in October
- Christmas Day – 25th December
- Boxing Day – 26th December
Note that if a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, then the following Monday becomes a public holiday.
