Special Holidays

Waitangi Day

Waitangi Day, 6 February, marks the anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. This Treaty, often described as New Zealand's founding document, was an agreement between Maori chiefs and the British Crown, and covered issues of sovereignty, possession and rights of citizenship. Differences between the English and Maori texts of the Treaty, and breaches of its terms in the years following its signing, have complicated New Zealanders' sense of the ongoing importance of this agreement.

Anzac Day

Anzac Day, 25 April, marks the anniversary of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps' first landing on the Gallipoli peninsula in 1915, during the First World War. Although the Allies lost the Gallipoli campaign, this was an important episode in New Zealand's history. It showcased attitudes and attributes – bravery, tenacity, practicality, ingenuity, loyalty to King and comrades – that helped New Zealand define itself as a nation, even as it fought unquestioningly on the other side of the world in the name of the British Empire, and suffered appalling loss of life.

The day is now the focus for a broader acknowledgement of the costs of war: the sacrifice of all those who have died in warfare is remembered, as is the contribution and suffering of all those who have served. Anzac Day promotes a sense of unity, perhaps more effectively than any other day on the national calendar. People whose politics, beliefs and aspirations are widely different can nevertheless share a genuine sorrow at the loss of so many lives in war, and a real respect for those who have endured warfare on behalf of their country.

Although there are local ceremonies marking Anzac Day throughout New Zealand, the Ministry is responsible for the National War Memorial at which the National Anzac Day service is held. This service is organised by the Visits and Ceremonial Office of the Department of Internal Affairs, in partnership with the Ministry.