What is Waitangi Day?

Source
Waitangi Day is New Zealand's annual celebration of the signing of the Waitangi Treaty in the Bay of Islands on 6 February 1840. The Treaty was signed after the declaration of independence by northern Maori Chiefs and British Crown Representatives in 1835. The signing of the Waitangi Treaty gave the British sovereignty while guaranteeing Maori land rights. The British ruled colony of New South Wales (Australia) initially controlled New Zealand from the early 1800's until 1840 when New Zealand became a separate entity. Many people consider the Treaty to be the foundation of modern New Zealand society. As a result, Waitangi Day has been a national holiday in New Zealand since 1974.

Other Links
Treaty of Waitangi Website

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