Waitangi Day 2013—a time to reflect on the past, celebrate our shared achievements, and look to the future

Today is Waitangi Day which marks the 173rd anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, which took place in the Bay of Islands in the North Island in 1840. With this event, New Zealand was founded as a modern nation. The Treaty provides a framework for the continuing partnership between the Government and Māori, the indigenous people of New Zealand.

The Treaty of Waitangi exemplifies New Zealand’s unique experience of building an ethnically diverse and multicultural society. We are keen to build on this in making a solid contribution to the global community, and are running for a seat at the UN Security Council for the term 2015-16. We would look to bring to the Council our spirit of cooperation, good faith, partnership and mutual respect firmly embedded in our history and culture.

 For the Governor-General's Waitangi Day address, please see the attached document.

Attachment
Waitangi Day Address 2013.docx