Waitangi is the name of two tiny but important settlements in New Zealand. The name means weeping waters in Maori.

Waitangi, Northland

Waitangi is a township located in the Bay of Islands on the North Island of New Zealand. It is located close to the town of Paihia (of which it is now considered a part), 60 kilometres north of Whangarei.

Founding of a nation

The Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o Waitangi) was signed on February 6, 1840 in a marquee erected in the grounds of James Busby's house at Waitangi by representatives of the British Crown, the chiefs of the Confederation of the United Tribes of New Zealand , and other Maori tribal leaders. The Treaty made New Zealand a British colony and is generally considered the founding document of New Zealand as a nation. Waitangi Day is the annual celebration of the signing, and is New Zealand's national holiday.

Waitangi, Chatham Islands

Waitangi is also the name of the main port of the Chatham Islands. It is located on the southern shore of Petre Bay, on the west coast of the main island. This small outpost of civilisation is by far the largest settlement in the island group, with approximately 40% of the group's population of 750.