Waitangi

Waitangi is a township in the Bay of Islands, Northland Region, New Zealand. It lies on the eastern shore of the Waitangi River, near Paihia. The township is best known for the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the site where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed on 6 February 1840 between representatives of the British Crown and Māori chiefs, marking a pivotal moment in New Zealand's history. The treaty exists in both English and Māori versions, and differing interpretations of the agreements and guarantees have shaped ongoing political and legal debates.

Today, the grounds are managed by the Waitangi National Trust and operated as a major heritage and cultural site. Visitors can see the Treaty House, the colonial-era residence of the British resident, a carved Māori meeting house, a war canoe, and a museum with exhibits on the treaty and the early colonial era. The site also features a ceremonial flagstaff that has become a symbol of the relationship between Māori and Pākehā.

In addition to its historical significance, Waitangi is the location of Waitangi Day, New Zealand's national holiday on 6 February, which commemorates the signing of the treaty and is observed with official ceremonies, cultural events, and public gatherings around the country.

The Waitangi area is also associated with the Waitangi Tribunal, established in 1975 as a permanent commission of inquiry into past breaches of the Treaty by the Crown. The Tribunal's work has contributed to the redress and settlements addressing Māori grievances.