Waitangi Day - The Misunderstood Holiday

Waitangi Day is a national holiday in New Zealand that celebrates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi between the British Crown and the Maori chiefs. It was first observed in 1974, but not everyone is in the loop about the significance of the day, leading to a few funny misunderstandings.

Many people believe it’s a day to commemorate the impressive waiting skills of the Maori, but that is not the case. Actually, it’s a day when Kiwis gather over barbeques to discuss whether the Treaty of Waitangi has ever really achieved anything of value. It’s also a day when a few parents get creative and dress up their children as Maori Chiefs, only to realise they don’t have a clue what they’re doing.

Some see this day as a chance to educate themselves about Maori culture, but others see it as an excuse to catch up on their sleep – it’s a bank holiday, afterall.

One of the most notable traditions of Waitangi Day is that it marks the first day of the year when it’s socially acceptable to wear jandals and socks in public, much to the amusement of tourists. It’s an opportunity for Kiwis to celebrate their uniqueness and embrace their quirky national identity.

There is another side to Waitangi Day that often goes unnoticed, namely the golf course that runs through the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Many tourists are confused as to why this sacred land is now home to a golf course, but it has been there since the 1930s. Not to mention, how can you expect the Maori Chiefs to sign a treaty without a little bit of golf first?

Overall, Waitangi Day is a chance for New Zealanders to come together, debate, and celebrate. It’s a unique holiday that exemplifies the charm and character of the Kiwi culture. So why not grab some jandals, debate the treaty’s worth, and hit the links for a few rounds of golf? Afterall, that’s what Waitangi Day is all about!