Celebrating He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni

On 28 October gatherings will be held to honour He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni, also known as the Declaration of Independence of the United Tribes of New Zealand.

This significant constitutional document was first signed by 34 Northern Māori rangatira (chiefs) in 1835, with an additional 18 signatures added by 1839, including notable leaders such as Te Hāpuku of Hawkes Bay and the Waikato leader Te Wherowhero, who later became the first Māori King.

Described by British Resident James Busby as the "Magna Carta of New Zealand Independence", He Whakaputanga was a bold and innovative declaration of Indigenous power. Officially recognised by the United Kingdom, it signalled the emergence of Māori authority on the world stage. It was also one of the earliest assertions of Māori identity beyond separate iwi and hapū.

To celebrate this pivotal event, an annual gathering is held at 5am on Monday 28 October at Tou Rangatira in Waitangi for a roll call, and for participants to share stories and aspirations.

What  will you be  doing to celebrate?