Waitangi Day: Celebration or Protest?

Exploring Different Perspectives Year 8 Social Sciences New Zealand History

What Do You Already Know?

What is Waitangi Day? When is it celebrated? Why might some people celebrate while others protest? Have you ever attended Waitangi Day events?

The Treaty of Waitangi: Foundation of New Zealand

Signed 6 February 1840 at Waitangi Agreement between Māori chiefs and British Crown Different versions: English and te reo Māori Promised protection of Māori rights and British sovereignty Ongoing debates about its meaning and implementation

Two Perspectives on Waitangi Day

{"left":"Celebration of New Zealand's founding document\nCommemoration of partnership between cultures\nNational day of unity and shared identity\nRecognition of New Zealand's unique bicultural heritage","right":"Protest against unfulfilled Treaty promises\nHighlighting ongoing inequalities for Māori\nDrawing attention to land and sovereignty issues\nPlatform for advocating Māori rights and justice"}

Reading and Research Activity

Work in pairs to read contrasting texts Text A: Waitangi Day as Celebration Text B: Waitangi Day as Protest Highlight key arguments and evidence Identify the strongest points from each perspective

Preparing Your Arguments

Groups of 6: Organize your findings Choose either 'Celebration' or 'Protest' position Develop 2-3 strong arguments with evidence Anticipate counterarguments from the other side Prepare clear, respectful opening statements

The Great Waitangi Day Debate

Reflection and Understanding

'Understanding different perspectives helps us become better citizens and more thoughtful people.'