Whilst we were in New Zealand we stayed in Paihia our stay coincided with Waitangi Day. Waitangi Day is a public holiday held on 6 February every year to commemorate the signing of New Zealand's founding document "The Treaty of Waitangi" in 1840. The Treaty was between Queen Victoria (actually her representatives) and the Māori. However there is still ongoing discussions regarding the content and meaning of some of the Treaty sections.
These images are of the Waitangi Day happenings as I witnessed them, sadly what you cannot get from the images of the Waka's (war canoes) is the sound of the rhythmic chanting/drumming when they are moving plus the general sense of excitement given off by the audience.
#1 I believe that the larger of the two Waka in this image is Ngatokimatawhaorua, one of the largest Māori waka. It normally resides in it's display area within the Treaty Ground.
#2 The Waka fleet preparing to run around to the Treaty ground to take part in the Waitianga Day celebrations.
#3 Some of the Waka crew who were getting ready for the Waka to be brought ashore, the rails that can be seen are the track that is used to get the Waka from the beach to the shelter.
#4 Impressive Art/Ink work.
#5 After visiting the Treaty Ground we decided to go across to Russell (historically it was known as the Hell Hole of the Pacific) This is one of the vessels we spotted whilst we were en-route from Paihia to Russell on the slow ferry.
#6 This looked exciting and great weather to try it out, I didn't try it
. I deliberately left the tow line visible in the image.
These images are of the Waitangi Day happenings as I witnessed them, sadly what you cannot get from the images of the Waka's (war canoes) is the sound of the rhythmic chanting/drumming when they are moving plus the general sense of excitement given off by the audience.
#1 I believe that the larger of the two Waka in this image is Ngatokimatawhaorua, one of the largest Māori waka. It normally resides in it's display area within the Treaty Ground.
#2 The Waka fleet preparing to run around to the Treaty ground to take part in the Waitianga Day celebrations.
#3 Some of the Waka crew who were getting ready for the Waka to be brought ashore, the rails that can be seen are the track that is used to get the Waka from the beach to the shelter.
#4 Impressive Art/Ink work.
#5 After visiting the Treaty Ground we decided to go across to Russell (historically it was known as the Hell Hole of the Pacific) This is one of the vessels we spotted whilst we were en-route from Paihia to Russell on the slow ferry.
#6 This looked exciting and great weather to try it out, I didn't try it
. I deliberately left the tow line visible in the image.
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