NEW ZEALAND 6 February 2009 New Zealand observes 75th anniversary of Waitangi Day. Maori protests likely

New Zealand observes the 75th anniversary of Waitangi Day, a national day in New Zealand. The commemorative activities at Bay of Islands are likely to be marred by protests and attempts to fly the Maori sovereignty flag by Maori activist groups, such as the Nga Tamatoa and Maori Party.

The New Zealand government recently referred to Maori protests as terrorism. This has drawn criticism from the United Nations, which sees the label as a human rights violation against indigenous people.

Traditionally, the official observation begins with the Royal New Zealand Navy raising the nation's flag, Union Flag and White Ensign on the flagstaff at Waitangi. The day closes with flags being lowered by the Navy in a traditional ceremony.

Waitangi Day commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi by British settlers and Maoris at Waitangi Bay on 6 Feb 1840. The Treaty is considered a founding document of the nation. It is supposed to have granted Maori citizenship and land rights in return for their acceptance of British sovereignty. There are ongoing political and academic debates on the Treaty, and considerable variation between the English and Maori versions of it. Maoris say the Treaty denies their ownership of land.

It was not observed until 1934. The New Zealand parliament has never ratified the Treaty, and Feb 6 is still a controversial commemoration. Maoris campaigned for Waitangi Day to be a public holiday in recognition of the Treaty, and the promise of a public holiday was part of Labour Party’s 1957 election manifesto. But after Labour came to power in 1957, political pressure prevented it from honoring its pledge. An act passed in 1960 made Feb 6 Waitangi Day, and it was amended in 1963 to make it a holiday in the North Island of New Zealand. In 1973 the Labour government introduced an act that made Feb 6 a public holiday in both islands, but changed its name to New Zealand Day. This incited protests from Maori groups. Under a new national government in 1976 the day reverted to Waitangi Day.

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY NEWSAHEAD CORRESPONDENT C.BALAJI, WHO IS AVAILABLE FOR FREELANCE ASSIGNMENTS IN INDIA AND THE REGION. email: mohan balaji

RELATED READING:

Waitangi web
http://www.nzinfo.com/waitangi.htm