Waitangi – a place in history

It’s such a small place, and yet it played such a big part in New Zealand’s history. The picturesque little settlement just down the road from Paihia in Northland is peaceful, pretty and somewhat remote, but it’s where one of the most significant events in NZ’s history took place. In 1840, it’s where the Treaty of the same name was signed.

Exactly 100 years after British Resident James Busby first settled at Waitangi, his homestead was given its current status as the birthplace of a nation. The then Governor-General, Lord Bledisloe, and his wife bought the house and grounds, together with an additional 1,000-acre land block in 1932 and gifted them to the nation. His intention was to create a national historic site to mark the signing of the country’s foundation document. A trust board was set up, the dilapidated house restored, and the grounds gradually developed. It is now one of New Zealand’s most historic sites and received thousands of visitors each year.

The Treaty Grounds are spectacular – luscious lawns with fantastic views over the Bay of Islands, the historic buildings, native bush and Gardens of National Significance create a scenic setting. Visitors can see the historic Treaty House, a fully carved Māori Meeting House, the Māori War Canoe and a stunning exhibition about the history of Waitangi and the treaty.

The site also hosts the annual Waitangi Day celebrations, which usually start on 5 February, at the Ngapuhi Te Tii marae, where political dignitaries are welcomed on to the marae and hear speeches from the local iwi. On Waitangi Day itself, at dawn, the Royal New Zealand Navy raises the New Zealand Flag, Union Jack and White Ensign on the Flagstaff in the treaty grounds. The ceremonies during the day generally include a church service and cultural displays such as dance and song. Several waka and a navy ship also re-enact the calling ashore of Governor Hobson to sign the treaty. The day closes with the flags being lowered by the navy in a traditional ceremony.

Around Waitangi, there’s plenty to see and do. The Bay of Islands region has a stunning maritime park with 144 islands and secluded bays. The Bay has an abundance of marine life, including the big marlin, whales, penguins, dolphins, gannets and many other species. It is also home to the place that was once known as “the Hellhole of the Pacific”. These days, Russell is much more sedate place across the bay from Paihia, the main tourist town in the Bay of Islands.

We recommend: Waitangi resources

On this web site:

• See our feature on Waitangi Day and the Treaty of Waitangi
• Also see our comprehensive reference guide to the Treaty of Waitangi
• People with an interest in Waitangi Day (and the Treaty of Waitangi) comment on what it means to them

Our Internet Gateway recommends:

• nzhistory.net.nz has information on the Treaty House and Waitangi Day.
• NZ Historic Places Trust has information on current and historic uses of the Treaty House.
• NewZealand.com, Tourism NZ’s official site, has useful information on the Bay of Islands as does Northland Naturally, the official local tourism site for Northland including the Bay of Islands. Tourism.net.nz also offers extensive information on activities, accommodation and attractions in the Bay of Islands.

Search the library catalogue for books and other resources on:

• Waitangi – the place and treaty grounds
• The Treaty of Waitangi – history and issues