Bay of Islands (5th Feb)

The 6th Feb is Whaitangi day, a very important day in New Zealand as it commemorates the first signing of the treaty which is an agreement between the British government and the Maori chiefs to live and work together in one nation. Waitangi Day is an increasingly optimistic focus for debate on national identity and multiculturalism in New Zealand, and peaceful demonstrations and marches are accepted as part of the day's events.

So today is the day before Waitangi day and the celebrations have already started, the day itself is a national holiday and because it falls on a Friday the celebrations are due to continue all weekend.



The prime minister and his 'Matrix' style security


This morning is due to start with a haka by the NZ Navy which I would love to see so me and Joelle whom I’m sharing with, head down to all the action. We come across all the marquees that are set up and what looks like some very casual police around so we thought this must be it. People were looking a little anxious and were clearing the street of cars and people so we asked what was going on, apparently the Prime Minister of NZ is about to arrive so we took up our position and waited. We were probably the only tourists there, actually inside the area where all the seating was set up in preparation, and really thre seemed to only be a couple of people outside the area. All inside where we were was New Zealanders.




The meeting house at the Waitangi treaty grounds





The PM arrived to be greeted by some not so friendly protests with some guy trying to hit him, he got carted off, the protested not the president and then it all started. There was lots of greeting in Maori by the chiefs and king and then replies by the PM.
By all accounts the PM is in a new term and everyone is hopeful that things are going to work out positive, the Maori king did make a reference to a couple of aspects relating to the shoreline and waters implying that Maoris are no longer allowed to have access to the shore for fishing etc and that this is against the writings of the treaty. It was very interesting and moving and we felt very honored to be witnessing it and being a part of it. After about an hour or so of speeches everyone was invited to enjoy a cup of tea courtesy of the Maori, s of course we did, never one to pass up a cup of tea!
















The NZ navy (or some of them!)


We then headed off to the fete type area and grabbed a bit to eat before Joelle headed off to Russell for a visit and I headed off to the treaty grounds to have a look round and see the Beat Retreat by the NZ Navy and then enjoy the concerts that are layed on.

We never did see the haka, maybe tomorrow. The evening concerts were great though and after Joelle got back from Russell she came and met me and we enjoyed a couple of beers listening to a well known local reggae band.

Tomorrow I’m wanting to head off back down south cause there’s so much more to see still, but it would also be really easy to stay here for a couple more days and soak up the party atmosphere.



Some fabulous volcanic formations at the treaty grounds