National Day

Waitangi Day is the national day of New Zealand and is celebrated every year on February 6.
The history of this celebration dates back to about 1,000 years ago when Maori Indians arrived in what is now New Zealand, there lived by hunting and fishing, they decorated their boats and houses with magnificent woodcarvings. Maori lived in this area until the arrival of Europeans brought war and disease and in less than 50 years, almost half of the population died.
On February 6, 1840 an agreement was signed with the British in a place called Waitangi, which means "water that mourn." In the agreement, Maori accepted the Queen of England as their sovereign and in return, the British agreed to respect their land and rights.
The treaty was never ratified by the Parliament of New Zealand and is still today, a source of much controversy.

However, this day is celebrated with music concerts, children's activities and traditional markets.