New Zealand's contentious national day

Feb 06

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New Zealand's contentious national day

Waitangi Day used to discuss rights of indigenous Maori.

Maori protest from Waitangi Day 2012.

Every year on February 6, New Zealand commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. Many celebrate the day as the founding of New Zealand, but native Maori activists have historically used the day to protest what they say is 'institutional racism'.

View the story "New Zealand's contentious national day" on StorifyNew Zealand's contentious national dayWaitangi Day used to discuss rights of indigenous Maori. Storified by The Stream· Tue, Feb 05 2013 13:27:39Happy #Waitangi Day to all my fellow Kiwi's. http://pic.twitter.com/jibbDv4BKim DotcomWaitangi Day is a national holiday that many celebrate with picnics, barbecues, concerts, and even trips to the beach. Its waitangi day. A good day to be a kiwi. Maori, pakeha, islander, indian, whatever flavour u are.. http://yfrog.com/esbmdnjtamati coffeyThis Facebook post, also trending on news site Reddit, gives a different view of Waitangi Day:ImgurSome feel the division described above denies New Zealanders a day of positivity and celebration. @KendallForbes Australia Day is very much a celebration Hopefully one day Waitangi Day will be the same instead of protests and blame layingVinny NZWaitangi Day - time to rethink as we celebrate?wtEPLg0W4asbGV84H9Y5YQOthers believe the holiday should be used to foster discussion among New Zealand's diverse groups. You're free to spend #Waitangi day in a feelgood ahistorical bubble if you choose -- but don't try to whitewash it for the rest of us.LewHistory has woven us together. Waitangi Day is as much about communication as it is commemoration. We are the basket that holds the future.Tame ItiRemember that tomorrow, on Waitangi Day, we should celebrate our national diversity by not disagreeing about anything.Lyndon HoodOthers condemn Waitangi Day celebrations, arguing injustice is still prevalent. One New Zealander created a Waitangi Day Bingo card to highlight the challenges faced by the Maori minority. With help from your suggestions, @Megapope and I present you with the Waitangi Day Racist Bingo Card #bleak http://pic.twitter.com/bXdM0UzqPony Pony TangerinaWaitangi Day shouldn't be a day of celebration. It should be a day where some truths are said, some of which are uncomfortable, some hopefulGus HodgsonMaori have every right to protest historical wrongs that have yet to be addressed. If not being allowed to forget the transgressions of the past ruins your day of sunshine and lollipops then too bad.cheekydarkieDespite concerns about protests, only a small number of demonstrators were reported at early morning celebrations. Peaceful start to Waitangi Day celebrations: Hundreds of people have gathered at Waitangi for the traditional da... http://bit.ly/11GROr5OneNewsAlerts