“If you and your family are going away on a short little holiday, then you need not go to school on Friday. But if you are not going away, then it is school as usual.”
This is the way that Brynn explained her educational commitments for Friday 7th.
Waitangi is 230km North of the City of Auckland, just under 3 hours by road, according to Google Earth.
Why? Because tomorrow Thursday 6 February is Waitangi Day, an official public holiday, leaving a long weekend for those wanting to take Friday off. It commemorates the first signing of New Zealand’s founding document – the Treaty at Waitangi in 1840. It is a public holiday in New Zealand on February 6 each year.
Māori cultural performances, speeches from Māori and Pakeha (European) dignitaries, and a naval salute are all part of the official Waitangi Day celebrations at Waitangi, New Zealand. Waitangi Day is also a time when people publicly debate on issues such as national identity and multiculturalism.
Various activities and events are held at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. It’s a day that bubbles with ceremonies, music, sports and fun. Waitangi Day itself has always involved performances and parades from the Royal New Zealand Navy and local cultural groups.
The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are home to 2 national icons:
- 'Te Whare Runanga', a carved Māori meeting house that commemorates the first signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. Carvings in the house were produced by the local Ngapuhi tribe, but the building is represents all Māori tribes.
- Ngatokimatawhaorua, one of the largest Māori waka (war canoe). It can seat a crew of up to 80 paddlers and 55 passengers
Ngatokimatawhaorua at the Treaty Grounds. (Photo: © Jock Phillips)
Ngātokimatawhaorua is housed at the Treaty Grounds, Waitangi. It is named after the original Ngātokimatawhaorua, which was re-adzed from Kupe’s canoe, the Matawhaorua.
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