On February 7th New Zealanders celebrated "Waitangi Day". This refers to the 1840 treaty that the Maori chiefs signed with the British at Waitangi on the Northeast coast above Auckland. We visited this location when we toured the north portion of the north island (see "Auckland" posting). All sorts of events take place. What's really interesting is that the treaty is revered just like the Declaration of Independance. Anything that takes place in New Zealand is held up against the intent of the Waitangi Treaty and must pass. Below are just a few pictures from what we say taking place!
The Maori flag is the one in the upper left corner of this flag. Here it's actually replacing the British flag on the New Zealand flag. An interesting twist for sure!
There was a production taking place down at Queen's Warf. This shows the supposed British Officer conversing with the Maori Chief.
Here's a real Maori war canoe. Those in the boat took it out in the bay and performed some Maori rituals.
Here some Maori's do tradition songs and dances.
Then the "Big Guns" came out and performed the traditional Haka.
You'd be crazy to mess with these big guys!
As part of the Waitangi weekend (Friday & Saturday) celebration there was a "Seven's" tournament. This is rugby at it's craziest! There are 16 nations that send teams that tour around the world playing weekend tournaments. The first series of games is for only 14 minutes each with 2-7 minute halves. Each team plays with seven players and it is wide open with the scores reflecting the open style. Then there's a playoff resulting in the best two teams facing each other on Saturday in a 30-minute final game. Of course New Zealand won! What's even more amazing is the costumes worn by those attending the games. A hotel in Wellington fronted $25,000 for a number of awards. The pictures below give you a flavor for what we saw. Can't say that they don't know how to have some fun!
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