Waitangi Day

Waitangi Day, named after Waitangi where the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed, commemorates a significant day in the history of New Zealand.

Bishop J. B. F. Pompallier arrived in New Zealand in 1838, and established many Catholic missions. Pompallier was sympathetic to Māori concerns and for his time, he had an enlightened view towards Māori culture. He was at Waitangi when the Treaty was signed on 6 February 1840 and asked Lieutenant-Governor Hobson for his promise to protect the Catholic faith. This pledge is sometimes referred to as the unwritten “fourth article” of the Treaty and is said to protect and recognise not only major western religions, but also Māori custom.