New Zealand's Waitangi Day on February 6 celebrates signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840.

The signing of the treaty by representatives of the British Crown and over 500 Māori chiefs ratified what is considered to be New Zealand’s founding document.

The Treaty created a partnership between the British Crown and Māori people. It recognized Māori ownership of their lands, forests, and other possessions while giving Māori the rights of British subjects. This partnership concept has been central to New Zealand's bicultural national identity.

The signing is commemorated each year when peoples of all communities and backgrounds gather at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to commemorate the signing.