Northland Region – Waitangi, where the Treaty was signed in 1840
Northland's defining place in the national story is Waitangi, where New Zealand's founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was signed in 1840. Northland iwi hold that Kupe made landfall at the Hokianga, and for that reason the region is often called the birthplace of the country; some of the oldest traces of Māori kāinga, fishing villages, are found here. In the Bay of Islands, Russell, formerly Kororareka, was the first permanent European settlement, while Kerikeri preserves many historic buildings including the Stone Store, the oldest stone building in the country. Kauri gum and timber later drew more settlers. Known as Te Tai Tokerau, the region is warm and fast-growing. Share your memories and photographs with us.