Kia ora to all and any new viewers.
Today is a national holiday and commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, between William Hobson, representing Queen Victoria and the Maori chiefs. It is the document that was meant to define the relationship, and the closest to a founding document of New Zealand. The influence of the Treaty is ongoing, as it is interpreted and applied to the present, though as the two language versions are not the same, it leaves room for “discussion”.
Anyway, this is the closest to a New Zealand national day. It means different things to different people, some celebrating the diversification of the country, some emphasising things Maori, some just going to the shops. It also has a significant big political overtones with respect to the Maori-and the rest relationship.
Today we went to a public celebration in Wellington, at Waitangi Park, where else? Bit of food, bit of live music and general people watching. Music low calibre, maybe would have been better to go to Haitaiti and “One Love” again, to celebrate Bob Marley’s birthday, also today. We have done that for last three years, hence the change in venue.
Also, Ash Wednesday today, and we attended for our forehead cross.
Which reminds me, good luck on Maunday Thursday!
