Lisjen auf Reisen
Lisjen auf Reisen
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Day 8 - National Holiday

Nai-publish: 10.02.2018

New Zealand, like any other country, has a national holiday. On the day of 06/02/1840, 45 Māori chiefs gathered with William Hobsoon (representative of the British Crown) and signed the Treaty of Waitangi. This treaty officially declared New Zealand as a colony of the British Empire and is still celebrated as a national holiday today. Every year, a big festival takes place at the site of the signing in Waitangi, where dance and music groups perform, but also political issues are brought to the public's attention. On this day, several Māori tribal leaders gathered and protested for the return of unjustly confiscated land. Afterwards, we watched as a traditional canoe, called Waka, was ritually released into the Bay of Islands. According to Māori legends, Kupe, the Polynesian discoverer of New Zealand, also traveled to the New Zealand islands on a canoe.

a traditional Waka
a traditional Waka
The whole spectacle was an impressive sight, accompanied by loud shouts and paddle commands. In addition to the crafts market and numerous food stalls, there were two stages where traditional songs were sung and the Haka performed. To celebrate the day, dancers even traveled from the Cook Islands and presented their Polynesian culture. Finally, we went to the Māori temple, called Waitangi Marae. This serves as a sacred place for ceremonial purposes. Inside, there were many planks adorned with beautiful carvings or mother-of-pearl. The place had something mystical and yet homely about it.
Waitangi Marae
Waitangi Marae



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New Zealand
Mga ulat sa paglalakbay New Zealand