What is Waitangi Day?

Every year on 6 February, New Zealand marks the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. In that year, representatives of the British Crown and over 500 Maori chiefs signed what is New Zealand’s founding document. 
 
For some people, Waitangi Day is a holiday; for many, and especially for Maori, it is the occasion for reflecting on the Treaty. Since the 1970s the style and mood of the commemorations on Waitangi Day have been influenced by the increasingly heated debate surrounding the place of the Treaty in modern New Zealand. 
 
Waitangi Day is recognised as New Zealand's national day. The date is an important marker in the country's history. Recognition of the significance of the Treaty of Waitangi as the nation's founding document will continue to encourage leaders, communities and individuals to mark the day in new ways.

Why is the Waitangi Day Dawn Service moving off Mauao?

After the heavy rains of January 2011, the event was cancelled and a review conducted by the Waitangi Day Organising Committee soon after. A discussion was held with Tauranga Moana Kaumatua and Mauao Trustees. A decision to move the event to allow urgent repair works to be carried out in 2011 and to give Mauao time to heal.

Why was Mount Drury chosen to hold the 2012 Waitangi Day Dawn Service?

It was agreed that Hopukiore (Mount Drury) was the best possible site for the Waitangi Day event, because of it’s proximity to Mauao and ability to hold a gathering of 500 plus, similar to that of the ANZAC day Ceremony.

Who is the Tauranga Moana Waitangi Day Organising Committee?

The Committee is made up of representatives from Tauranga City Council, Whareroa Marae Committee, Ngai Tukairangi, Maori Wardens Association, Ngati Ranginui, Takitimu Waka Kaihoe, Te Manu Toroa, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Bay of Plenty Regional Council and the Tauranga Church Community.

Will the Waitangi Day Dawn Ceremony go back on Mauao?

The situation will be reassessed in the future with the Mauao Trustees and the Waitangi Day Organising Committee.