This Tuesday is a holiday in Aotearoa New Zealand for Waitangi Day.
The history of this holiday is complex, not to mention contested. It is the day when Te Tiriti o Waitangi/ the Treaty of Waitangi began to be signed. This agreement between Māori tribes and the British Crown is considered to be the founding document of modern-day New Zealand Aotearoa but the differing views of the signatories to those who drew up the document, and breaches of the covenant, are problematic and the cause of misunderstandings and distrust.
Across the country there are differing views on the day itself. Here in Māwhera Greymouth there are celebrations in our local park and there will be waiata (songs) performed and other entertainment. The choir I have started has been asked to sing and we are looking forward to being part of the entertainment.
Waitangi Day is a time for reflection and consideration. As Aotearoa New Zealand gets older it is a chance to consider the past and what that could mean for the future. I hope that your Waitangi Day is peaceful and thoughtful.
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