Feb 06, 2021
Waitangi Day 2021
This Doodle’s Key Themes
On this day in 1840, Māori chiefs joined together with representatives of the British Crown to sign the Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi), an agreement intended to bring unity to Aotearoa New Zealand. Today’s Doodle recognizes the anniversary of this historic treaty signing, now acknowledged annually as Waitangi Day.
On the centennial anniversary of the treaty’s signing, the Māori tribes contributed their unique carving styles to build Te Whare Rūnanga (the House of Assembly), the meeting house depicted in today’s Doodle artwork. The distinct carvings and intricate tukutuku panels in the Whare design represent Māori throughout Aotearoa as it brings together the stories and styles of all Iwi (tribes), showcasing a unique gallery of Māori art, as well as an example of Māori social and cultural life.
Now recognized as one of the nation’s most significant cultural heritage sites, Te Whare Rūnanga stands as a place to bring people together for important hui (meetings) and represents the unification of Māori and all New Zealanders. At dawn today, a ceremony inside Te Whare Rūnanga kicks off New Zealand’s annual Waitangi Festival, a vibrant celebration that includes Māori cultural performances and more.
Happy Waitangi Day, New Zealand!
Learn more about Te Whare Rūnanga and journey inside the historic Waitangi Treaty grounds with Google Arts & Culture
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