You may notice that pubs in the capital are a little busier than usual this week as New Zealand expats celebrate Waitangi Day.
Phonetically pronounced why-tounge-ee, New Zealand’s national day is celebrated on February 6 each year and celebrates the day the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840.
A public holiday in New Zealand, Kiwis celebrate the day with a variety of customary celebrations - and plenty of good food and drink.
Here's everything you need to know about Waitangi Day:
What is the Treaty of Waitangi and why was it signed?
After Brits began to colonise New Zealand, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 by over 500 Maori Chiefs and representatives of the British Crown in what is essentially considered to be New Zealand's founding document.
The Treaty of Waitangi takes its name from Waitangi, the town in the Bay of Islands where it was first signed. The Treaty was initiated by Lieutenant-Governor William Hobson, who was tasked with securing British sovereignty over New Zealand and the Treaty was prepared in just a few days before being translated to Maori from English on February 4, 1840.
According to nzhistory.govt.nz: "Hobson and others stressed the Treaty’s benefits while playing down the effects of British sovereignty on Rangatiratanga (chiefly authority). Reassured that their status would be strengthened, many chiefs supported the agreement."
By the end of September, around 540 Maori chiefs had signed the Maori version of the Treaty and Britain claimed sovereignty on May 21, 1840. However, there were some significant changes between the English and Maori texts, with the word ‘sovereignty’ being translated to ‘kawanatanga’, which actually meant governance - which lead some Maori chiefs to believe that while they handed over gonvernment to their land, they still retained the right to manage their own affairs.
Another significant difference in the texts was the English version guranteed 'undisturbed possession' of their 'properties' but the Maori version guaranteed full authority over thier taonga (treasures).
These differing understandings have since been subject to debate in New Zealand, with Maori calling for the terms of the Maori version to be honoured, even staging marches and protests.
How is Waitangi Day celebrated in New Zealand?
Waitangi Day is considered to be New Zealand’s national day and has been observed as a public holiday since 1974.
Each year the Prime Minister will visit Waitangi and the Treaty House where the Treaty was signed on Waitangi Day to commemorate the signing - but this isn't without controversy.
According to nzhistory.govt.nz: "Protests have continued at Waitangi, and the prime minister has not always attended events there on Waitangi Day. In 2004 some Māori used Waitangi Day to protest about the government's legislation regarding the seabed and foreshore. In the days leading up to Waitangi Day, National Party politicians were pelted with mud, and members of the government were jostled as they entered Te Tii marae."
The past decade has also seen former Prime Ministers John Key and Bill English both refused speaking rights by the leaders of Te Tii marae, causing both to not attend during the 2016 and 2017 commemorations. Last year, current New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern attended Waitangi and has been confirmed to attend this year also.
Elsewhere across New Zealand, some marae (a Maori communal or sacred place) hold open days or talks on the place of the Treaty in New Zealand today.
What do New Zealanders in London do to celebrate Waitangi Day?
The unofficial celebration of Waitangi Day in London is the Waitangi Day pub crawl. Held the weekend before Waitangi Day each year, Kiwis from all over London gather at pubs along the circle line wearing their best NZ-inspired getups, drink and celebrate their national day. The pub crawl ends at Parliament Square in Westminster where a haka – the national tribal dance often seen at All Black rugby games – is performed. This pub crawl has been a tradition for over 30 years in London – which is home to one of the largest Kiwi expatriate communities.
More formal celebrations include a Waitangi Day Ball which is held by the New Zealand Society UK, celebrating New Zealand’s unity and diversity as a nation.
