As someone who is still relatively new to Aotearoa New Zealand and only recently a Kiwi, I’m aware that I’m still learning what to make of Waitangi Day — our national day, marking the 1840 signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
From what I observe, it’s less a celebration of national pride (like Independence Day in the US or Bastille Day in France) and more a day marked by reflection and, at times, tension.
Many New Zealanders value the idea that our nation was founded by treaty rather than conquest, the recognition of Māori as tangata whenua, and the belief that injustice can be named, challenged, and addressed rather than ignored.
At the same time, Te Tiriti is less than perfect and has not always been adhered to. Land loss, marginalisation, and deep injustice followed. For many Māori especially, Waitangi Day is not a celebration, but a reminder of promises made and broken.
As those who follow Jesus, this posture of honest reflection should not surprise us. The Bible consistently holds thanksgiving and confession together. When God’s people in Nehemiah 9 reflect on their shared history, they pray, “In all that has happened to us, you have remained righteous; you have acted faithfully, while we acted wickedly” (Nehemiah 9:33, NIV). They can both give thanks and confess their failings in the same breath.
Perhaps that’s why our national anthem, God Defend New Zealand, feels so fitting for a day like this — not so much a song of national achievement, but a prayer of dependence. Why not make it our prayer on a day like today? Here are the words from the second verse:
Men of every creed and race,
Gather here before Thy face,
Asking Thee to bless this place,
God defend our free land.
From dissension, envy, hate,
And corruption guard our state,
Make our country good and great,
God defend New Zealand.
And yet, as followers of Jesus, our deepest hope does not finally rest in a treaty, a nation, or our ability to get things right. Our hope is in Jesus Christ, the faithful King who never breaks his promises, and the coming Kingdom where justice and peace will one day be complete. As we reflect this Waitangi Day, we do so trusting not in our past or present, but in the future God is bringing through Jesus.
Grace & peace,
Andrew