Waitangi Day Is Observed In New Zealand

WAITANGI, NEW ZEALAND - FEBRUARY 5: People turn their back to the speakers during a powhiri for politicians at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds on February 5, 2025 in Waitangi, New Zealand. Waitangi Day, celebrated on February 6, 2025, marks the 185th anniversary of the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, New Zealand's founding document, and continues to be a pivotal moment for national reflection and celebration. This year's events, including the Waitangi Day Festival at the Treaty Grounds, highlight the ongoing importance of the Treaty in shaping New Zealand's identity and political discourse. As the country navigates its evolving political landscape, Waitangi Day remains a significant occasion for discussions on Māori rights, cultural heritage, and the nation's future, often featuring both celebrations and protests that underscore the complex history and ongoing debate about the modern relevance of the Treaty. (Footage by Fiona Goodall/Getty Images)