New Zealand, Waitangi Day

Protests and a New Zealand leader's absence overshadow a day marking the founding treaty with Māori
The bill's architect, David Seymour, met with protests at Waitangi marae — a Māori meeting house — during speeches by political leaders on Wednesday, as he made a fresh pitch for the law. The measures are widely derided and prompted tens of thousands of people to march on Parliament in Wellington last November.
Waitangi Day in New Zealand overshadowed by treaty controversy
Waitangi Day in New Zealand is marked by controversy as Māori leaders condemn a proposed bill to redefine the Treaty of Waitangi, sparking protests and political tensions.
New Zealanders mark Waitangi Day everywhere
A Dawn Ceremony marked the beginning of Waitangi Day commemorations at Te Whare Rūnanga Marae, while a traditional waka parade took place in front of Te Tii Marae before docking near the lower Treaty Grounds. There were several performances by local groups including kapa haka and reggae, as well as market stalls throughout the Grounds.
New Zealand marks anniversary of its founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, with quiet protests
New Zealand on Thursday marked the anniversary of its founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi. The day came with quiet protests of government officials by some Māori leaders amid a national period of fractured race relations and the absence of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon from a gathering of politicians and Māori tribes which the country's leader traditionally attends.
VIDEO: New Zealand Prime Minister defends staying away from Treaty Grounds on Waitangi Day
Follow the latest news headlines from Australia's most trusted source. Read in-depth expert analysis and watch live coverage on ABC News.
New Zealand grapples with nationhood on Waitangi Day
Prime Minister Chris Luxon has used his Waitangi Day address to settle nerves over his government's attitude to Maori and the Treaty of Waitangi, insisting it would "honour the treaty and work in partnership with Maori".
New Zealanders Celebrate National Day Amid Debate Over Founding Treaty
Thousands gathered across New Zealand on Thursday to celebrate the signing of the country’s founding document and some called for an end to government policies that critics say erode the rights promised to the Indigenous Maori population.
New Zealand marks 1840 treaty signing with Waitangi Day dawn service
Thousands gathered in Waitangi, New Zealand on Thursday (February 6) to celebrate the signing of the country’s founding document. US says will levy tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China on Feb. 1
Waitangi Day 2025: All the speeches and events from the Treaty Grounds on 5 February
Politicians are being welcomed at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds on Wednesday. The Parliamentary pōwhiri is a chance each year ...
The Spinoff21h
Waitangi 2025: A day of kōrero, kaupapa and kotahitanga
One belief was virtually universal within the Waitangi forum tents: existing as Māori is inherently political.
Waitangi Day 2025: Inside Tent City, the 1000-person waka camp
Every year, hundreds of kaihoe (paddlers) from across New Zealand travel to a camp site in Waitangi known as “Tent City” to ...
Waitangi Day 2025 in pictures
A dawn ceremony marked the beginning of Waitangi Day commemorations at Te Whare Rūnanga Marae on the upper Treaty grounds. Events were also held throughout the country, with hundreds of people ...