Waitangi (Moriori: Waiteki) is the largest settlement and main administrative and commercial centre of the Chatham Islands in New Zealand. It is situated on the southern shore of Petre Bay, on the western coast of Chatham Island, approximately 800 kilometres east of mainland New Zealand.
Waitangi serves as the principal port for the Chatham Islands and provides many of the essential services used by the local population. These include government administration, healthcare, banking, accommodation and retail services. The settlement is also an important centre for the islands' fishing and agricultural industries.
According to a June 2025 estimate, Waitangi has a population of approximately 140 people.
Geography
Waitangi is located on the western side of Chatham Island, overlooking Petre Bay. The surrounding landscape consists of relatively low lying terrain, coastal areas and agricultural land.
The settlement is located approximately 800 kilometres east of New Zealand's South Island. Due to its remote location, transportation and access to supplies are important considerations for the local community.
The Chatham Islands experience a mild oceanic climate, with relatively low rainfall compared with many other parts of New Zealand.
History
Early history
The Chatham Islands were originally inhabited by the Moriori people, who called the islands Rēkohu. Waitangi was traditionally known as Waiteki.
Moriori communities developed their own distinct culture and traditions across the islands, living primarily through fishing, gathering and hunting.
In 1835, Māori groups Ngāti Mutunga and Ngāti Tama arrived from mainland New Zealand. Their arrival resulted in the invasion and subjugation of the Moriori population, with significant consequences for the indigenous population and ownership of land.
European Arrival
European contact with the Chatham Islands began in 1791, when the British brig Chatham encountered the islands during an expedition.
During the nineteenth century, European sealers, whalers and traders began visiting the islands. Waitangi subsequently developed into an important location for maritime activity and trade.
In 1838, the French whaling vessel Jean Bart was involved in a violent incident in Waitangi Bay. Following the incident, the French warship Héroïne arrived and attacked the settlement, destroying buildings and capturing several Māori men.
New Zealand formally annexed the Chatham Islands in 1842.
Modern Era
During the twentieth century, Waitangi gradually developed into the principal settlement of the Chatham Islands.
Construction of the settlement's first major wharf began in 1931 and was completed in 1934. This improved the ability of ships to transport goods, passengers and supplies between the islands and mainland New Zealand.
During the Second World War, the German auxiliary cruisers Komet and Orion captured and sank the supply ship Holmwood near the Chatham Islands in November 1940.
Following the war, Waitangi continued to develop as the administrative and commercial centre of the islands.