Waitangi is the site of the 1840 signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, a document that haunted Kiwis ever since. 

I'm not even going to try to explain it.

If it's described from a Pakeha (European) standpoint, the Maori get upset. 

If it's described from a Maori standpoint, the Pakeha get upset.  

Here's the Wikipedia article.

 
 

NZ government site with more extensive explanation:

 

The Waitangi National Trust manages the treaty grounds:

 
The Waitangi flagpole.

 
Flagpoles have been the object of considerable cultural baggage in New Zealand.    In past years attempts have been made to fly the Maori Sovereignty Flag from a nearby tree, thereby placing it above the NZ flag.  The NZ flag has been flown on this pole only since 1974.  Before then, it was the Union Jack.
 
The flagpole in nearby Russell / Kororareka was chopped down four times by 1845. After the third time, the British started to build a base in iron, and delegated some troops to protect it.   Kawiti created a diversion down on the beach to draw the troops away, and Hone Heke went up and chopped it down again. 

Painting by Arthur David McCormick (1860-1943)

Image Source Here
The locale is spectacular.
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There is a big Waka (canoe) at Waitangi.  Exceptional woodworking.
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Some of the carvings on the posts of the shelter.  These images were taken with the digital camera, with the crappy metering. 
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One Column
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The shelter for the Waka, more intricate carving.

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The Meeting house at Waitangi.  The meeting house is unique in that it is not built for a specific iwi, but contains elements common to all Maori.