Waitangi Day

Wellington was still full of folk in fancy dress in celebration of the Rugby Sevens all of whom were having an absolute ball. The Angus Inn captured a nice blip of some of the action.

However, I couldn't help feeling that it distracted from the more muted Waitangi day celebrations in Waitangi Park. Waitangi Day is the anniversary of the signing of the treaty of Waitangi...an important day in the history of Aotearoa/New Zealand and a pivotal point in relations between the Maori people and the European settlers. The treaty is still deeply controversial in its interpretation and implementation and keeps many lawyers busy to this day.

I'm still learning about the treaty, and I'm a newcomer to this country so (for now) I'll just say...happy Waitangi Day!

And see also this great Waitangi day shot from The Second Half of Life