Waitangi Day: A Day of Remembrance, Acknowledgement, and Responsibility.
- Maddie Barrett
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
As we approach the 6th of February, 2026, it is important that we collectively recognise the significance of Waitangi Day as a day of remembrance, acknowledgement, and responsibility. For many Kiwi across the motu, Waitangi day will signify a broken promise (and much more). And while others look forward to the long weekend, this year we encourage you to take this opportunity to learn more!
What is it?
Waitangi Day matters because it marks the moment Aotearoa was founded on a promise, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and the ongoing reality that this promise has been repeatedly breached. It is a reminder that colonisation is not just in the past, but structural and lived, shaping land loss, whānau separation, state violence, inequity, and trauma that continue to affect a number of communities, especially Māori.
A little history:
In 1840, Te Tiriti o Waitangi was signed by over 500 rangatira (chiefs) of
the hapū and representatives of the British Crown (Queen Victoria).
There was extensive discussion about Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the treaty text in te reo
Māori) before it was signed. Essentially, Te Tiriti o Waitangi is a commitment to a relationship of peace and mutual benefit. It allowed for European settlers to come here while affirming the authority of hapū.
Why it matters.
Most importantly, Waitangi Day is not just about Māori. It is about the formation of the current Government and Parliament, whose authority was overridden, and who benefits from that arrangement today. Te Tiriti is a constitutional agreement. And while the responsibility sits with the Crown and its institutions, it also sits with us to not forget, to take action, and to achieve justice.
Finally, Waitangi Day is not about guilt. It is about responsibility and choice. Take a look at the events happening in your area, and join in the celebrations of both tangata whenua and tangata te tiriti, but keep learning about Waitangi Day as well. Use this weekend as an opportunity to engage in both Te Tiriti and Aotearoa's History.
So with that in mind, let's get educated and start sharing more knowledge about our important founding document and its ongoing effects today.
First, the Parenting Place NZ have a fantastic article on how to introduce your children to Waitangi Day and the history of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
These two awesome articles:
An article by Andy Fyers (2018) which highlights the massive loss of Māori land to the Crown and its devastating effects on Māori population, culture, and wellbeing.
Read here:
A great article from the Spinoff providing an extensive overview of literature and media for learning about Te Tiriti o Waitangi in all forms.
Read here:
A six-episode video series, What Really Happened: Waitangi, that depicts the two days leading up to the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi and its translation process.
“Written by Gavin Strawhan, with novelist Witi Ihimaera as story consultant, Waitangi: What Really Happened is an entertaining, colourful, docu-drama about the days leading up to and including the signing of the treaty, revealing the incredible story and the characters behind the treaty's creation. The premise of the show involves a reporter time-travelling to 1840, where he finds a host of colourful characters all playing a vital role in what later became Kiwi history.”
And lastly, Together for Te Tiriti is an awesome campaign dedicated to providing information, resources, and support. They have a range of online resources to check out! Click here:
