2015 is an auspicious year for all New Zealanders as it marks the 175th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, our founding document. The national date of celebration for the Treaty of Waitangi signing is the 6th of February although in reality there are many local dates of significance that communities can individually celebrate in recognition of the Treaty being taken throughout the North and South Islands.
Although the collection of signatures began on 6th February 1840, several meetings were held from February to September 1840 to discuss and sign the copies of the Treaty. New Zealand History Online provides an interactive map with locations and the number of signatories from that location, click here.
The Commemorating Waitangi Day Fund that is administered by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage supports events that commemorate the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, and promote nation and community building. The fund aims to encourage a wider mix of communities to take part in Waitangi Day events. Here is the Ministry for Culture and Heritage 2015 successful applicants for this fund. At this link you will be able to find events that are occurring in your local area or alternatively they are located on event finder here.
|
Date |
Location and Region - Anniversary of Signings of the Treaty |
|
6 February |
Waitangi, Bay of Islands |
|
10 February |
Waimate, Northland |
|
12 February |
Hokianga, Northland |
|
17 February |
Waitangi, Bay of Islands |
|
4 March |
Karaka Bay, Waitemata, Auckland |
|
20 March |
Manukau, Auckland |
|
26 March |
Manukau, Auckland - 2nd signing |
|
10 April |
Tauranga, Bay of Plenty |
|
26 April |
Awhitu, Manukau, Auckland - 3rd signing |
|
28 April |
Kaitaia, Far North |
|
29 April |
Port Nicholson, Wellington |
|
4 May |
Coromandel Harbour, Hauraki-Coromandel |
|
7 May |
Mercury Island, Hauraki-Coromandel |
|
11 May |
Rangitoto Island, Auckland |
|
13 May |
Paihia, Bay of Plenty |
|
14 May |
Kapiti, Wellington |
|
16 May |
Waikanae, Wellington |
|
16 and 17 May |
Ūawa, Gisborne |
|
19 May |
Ōtaki, Wellington |
|
21 May |
Kāwhia, King Country - 2nd signing Tawhirihoe, Manawatu-Rangitikei |
|
23 May |
Whanganui, Manawatu-Whanganui |
|
25 May |
Kāhiwa, King Country - 3rd signing Waiapu, Gisborne |
|
26 May |
Manawatu, Manawatu |
|
27 and 28 May |
Opotiki, Bay of Plenty |
|
30 May |
Akaroa, Canterbury |
|
31 May |
Whanganui, Manawatu-Whanganui - 2nd signing |
|
4 June |
Motungangara, Northland |
|
9 June |
Tokomaru, Gisborne |
|
10 June |
Ruapuke, Foveaux Straight, Southland |
|
11 June |
Tōrere, Bay of Plenty |
|
13 June |
Otago Harbour, Otago |
|
14 June |
Te Kaha, Bay of Plenty Tōrere, Bay of Plenty- 2nd signing |
|
15 June |
Kāwhia , King Country - 4th signing |
|
16 June |
Whakatāne, Bay of Plenty |
|
17 June |
Cloudy Bay, Marlborough Sounds |
|
19 June |
Waitemata, Auckland |
|
24 June |
Tukituki River, Hawkes Bay |
|
9 July |
Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland |
|
5 August |
Russell, Bay of Islands - last Bay of Islands signing |
|
27 August |
Kāwhia , King Country - 5th signing |
|
3 September |
Kāwhia, King Country - 6th signing |
|
02 October |
The Treaty of Waitangi was published in the London Gazette |
Other Anniversaries of significance in 2015
|
04 Feb 1985 |
The first kura kaupapa Māori: Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hoani Waititi Marae |
|
13 April 1982 |
The first kohanga reo opened at Kokiri Pukeatua, Wainuiomata |
|
22 April 2004 to the 5 May 2004 |
11th anniversary of the seabed and foreshore hikoi |
|
15 June 1215 |
Magna Carta was issued |
|
26 July 1865 |
The movement of Parliament from Auckland to Wellington |
|
10 October 1975 |
The establishment of the Waitangi Tribunal (1975) |
|
13 October 1975 |
The land march (October 1975) |
|
28 October 1835 |
180th anniversary of Declaration of Independence |
