Waitangi Day in New Zealand
View the global Waitangi Day guide
Waitangi Day is a nationwide New Zealand public holiday observed on 6 February. The actual calendar date and an employee’s observed day can differ when statutory Mondayisation applies.
Waitangi Day
Holiday
New Zealand
Country
2026
Next Date Year
Friday
Day
Feb
06
February 6, 2026
Waitangi Day Date in New Zealand
Date
February 6, 2026
Day
Friday
Public Holiday
Yes
Bank Holiday
Yes
Date Confirmed
Yes
Waitangi Day Dates in New Zealand
Waitangi Day 2026
- Confirmed
Waitangi Day 2027
- Confirmed
- Confirmed
Waitangi Day 2028
- Confirmed
- Confirmed Observed Waitangi Day: 6 February 2028 falls Sunday; transferred to Monday
History of Waitangi Day
The holiday reflects the 1840 signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi / the Treaty of Waitangi. Its modern employment treatment comes from New Zealand public-holiday legislation.
Importance of Waitangi Day
Eligible employees receive public-holiday protections when the day would otherwise be a working day. A weekend Waitangi Day is Mondayised for employees who do not normally work that weekend.
How Waitangi Day Is Celebrated in New Zealand
People may observe it through commemorations, kÅrero, kapa haka and community events; practices differ among communities and households.
Office Impact
Government offices generally close. Businesses may operate, and employees working an otherwise working public holiday receive statutory pay and alternative-holiday entitlements where applicable.
Bank Impact
Bank branches generally close and payment processing can move to the next business day; digital services remain available.
School Impact
State schools close for statutory holidays or scheduled term breaks. Families should verify term dates and local arrangements.
Travel Information
Waitangi commemorations bring site-specific access controls at Waitangi and events elsewhere. Mondayisation can shift employee leave without moving the 6 February commemoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Waitangi Day in New Zealand?
It is observed on 6 February, subject to statutory transfer rules where applicable.
Can the observed date differ?
A weekend Waitangi Day is Mondayised for employees who do not normally work that weekend.
What if an employee works?
Public-holiday pay and alternative-day rules depend on whether it is otherwise a working day.