Waitangi Day
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MySpaceWaitangi Day is a public holiday that is observed throughout New Zealand to commemorate the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi between the British Crown and Māori Chiefs at Waitangi in 1840.
Waitangi Day has been commemorated since the Governor-General, Lord Bledisloe, and Lady Bledisloe, gifted the Treaty House and grounds to the nation in 1932. The gift and the events of 6 February 1840 were first officially commemorated there two years later. The day has been a public holiday since 1974. In the last 25-30 years the style and mood of the commemorations have been influenced by debate surrounding the status of the Treaty of Waitangi in modern-day New Zealand.
The Governor-General attends community functions celebrating Waitangi Day throughout the country.
Media resources
Queen Elizabeth II became New Zealand's Queen on 6 February 1952. To mark her Diamond Jubilee, a special section of the Governor-General's website has been created.
Find out more.
Features
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Open to view - credentials ceremonies
Watch the video of a credentials ceremony at Government House -
Western Bay of Plenty regional visit
The Governor-General makes his first official visit. -
Open Days
Government House opens its doors to mark the Diamond Jubilee -
Christchurch and Canterbury Earthquake Anniversary
The Governor-General's Programme -
Waitangi Celebrations 2012
The Governor-General's first Waitangi Day Programme -
Governor-General's New Year Message
Sir Jerry Mateparae issues his 1st New Year message - watch the video -
State Opening of Parliament
Governor-General announces the Government's plans -
Speaker-elect confirmation ceremony
Dr Smith confirmed as Speaker of the House -
Appointment of the new Government
The Governor-General appoints the new Government -
Queen's Diamond Jubilee Emblem
New emblem to mark the Diamond Jubilee -
Rugby World Cup
Message from the Queen of New Zealand on the All Blacks' victory -
State Swearing-in of Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae
A Government House short film -
Royal NZ Navy 70th Anniversary
The Governor-General hosted and attended associated events -
New Zealand Gallantry Awards
Government House has today issued a special honours list -
One year on from the 4 September 2010 Canterbury earthquake
Governor-General issues a message -
Swearing in ceremony
Sir Jerry Mateparae to become NZ's 20th Governor-General -
Sir Paul Reeves
New Zealand's first Governor-General of Maori descent dies -
Visit by King George Tupou V of Tonga
The Governor-General hosted a State Welcome for the King of Tonga -
Māori King visits Government House
The King plants a tree to mark the visit -
Matariki
The Governor-General's 2011 Matariki Message -
The Royal Wedding
Sir Anand and Lady Susan attended the Royal Wedding on 29 April -
ANZAC Day message
The Governor-General's message for ANZAC Day commemorations -
The National Christchurch Memorial Service
Details and photos are available here. -
Christchurch Earthquake
Governor-General offers the support of all New Zealanders -
Canterbury earthquake
World leaders send messages of support to New Zealand -
Waitangi Day 2011
Sir Anand Satyanand's last Waitangi Day as Governor-General -
New Year Message
Governor-General issues his message for 2011 -
Pike River Mine Tragedy
World leaders send messages of support to New Zealand -
Governor-General visits Canterbury
A visit to support and encourage those affected by the earthquake -
New Year Message
Governor-General issues his message for 2010 -
Governor-General's 2009 New Year Message
New Zealanders urged to volunteer
Haka at Waitangi
