New Zealand National Day

New Zealand National Day

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  1. 1840Treaty of Waitangi signed
  2. 1907Dominion status proclaimed
  3. 1974Waitangi Day became a national holiday

The story behind the day

New Zealand marks Waitangi Day on 6 February, the anniversary of the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi between Māori rangatira and the British Crown. It is the country's central national day and its most important treaty commemoration.

The day is both celebration and debate, raising questions about partnership, sovereignty, language, land and how the treaty should shape modern New Zealand.

Waitangi hosts dawn services, waka, speeches and cultural events. Across the country people attend community festivals, Māori performances, beach gatherings and family barbecues.

  1. 20266 February 2026 · Friday
  2. 20276 February 2027 · Saturday
  3. 20286 February 2028 · Sunday
The flag
New Zealand flag

The New Zealand flag has the Union Jack and four red stars of the Southern Cross. It reflects colonial history and southern-hemisphere identity, while the Māori tino rangatiratanga flag is also prominent at Waitangi events.

Waitangi Day food is the food New Zealanders love — a summer barbecue with lamb and seafood, hāngi earth oven cooking from the Māori tradition and pavlova for dessert.

What to eat

HāngiEarth oven cooking — meat and vegetables wrapped in leaves and steamed underground over hot stones, a Māori celebration tradition.
PavlovaNew Zealand's beloved meringue dessert — topped with whipped cream and kiwifruit — disputed with Australia but deeply Kiwi.
Grilled lambNew Zealand produces some of the world's finest grass-fed lamb — the centrepiece of any Kiwi outdoor celebration.
Whitebait frittersDelicate tiny fish from West Coast rivers mixed into an egg batter and pan-fried — a seasonal New Zealand delicacy.
Rewena breadMāori potato sourdough bread — made with a fermented potato starter and baked in a round loaf.
KiwifruitNew Zealand's green and gold kiwifruit — the national fruit, eaten fresh or used in pavlova toppings.

What to drink

Sauvignon BlancMarlborough Sauvignon Blanc — the wine that put New Zealand on the global map, intensely aromatic and crisp.
L&PLemon and Paeroa — New Zealand's own soft drink, a lemon soda made from a Waikato mineral spring. "World Famous in New Zealand."
Flat whiteNew Zealand's own claim to the flat white alongside Australia — strong espresso with smooth steamed milk.
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Culture on National Day

Waitangi Day marks the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 between the British Crown and Māori chiefs — a founding document that is still debated, contested and central to New Zealand's national identity.

Waitangi Treaty GroundsThe formal ceremonies at the Bay of Islands site where the 1840 treaty was signed — attended by the prime minister and Māori leaders.
HakaThe Māori war dance — performed by sports teams worldwide and at national ceremonies, an expression of identity and challenge.
Māori cultural performancesKapa haka — Māori song, dance and chant — performed at Waitangi Day events to assert Māori identity and presence.
All Blacks rugbyRugby union is New Zealand's national sport — the All Blacks are the most successful test team in history and a source of immense pride.