Saturday 5th March – Waitangi Treaty Grounds – the Cradle of NZ

The first British resident, James Busby, came to live here in 1833; sent by the British Government to stabilise the bay area which had reputations for lawlessness by Europeans, and tribal fighting by Mauri’s.

By the time he left in 1840, he’d largely sorted out the locals; re-established order with the drunken sailors, whalers & convicts, and brokered several peace agreements with warring Mauri tribes – also raising a family in his spare time! And all without any soldiers to bring any authority, a great example of a true diplomat. His reward, predictably, was being replaced by a sailor for the big occasion and a battle to secure his land rights which lasted the rest of his life. How horribly familiar!

This area is now protected by the nation and recognised as the birthplace of NZ as we know it.

It poured with rain for most of our visit, but nevertheless, is still an impressive and beautifully restored reserve which means an awful lot to the Maori people.

The massive waka (war canoe) holds  120 warriors, and needs a minimum of 76 to keep it under control. Is made out of 3 huge kauri trees, and comes out once a year on Waitangi day – 6^th feb. Believe it or not it was clocked at doing 30 knots by a naval vessel as it strained to keep up with Princess Di on her official visit with big ears.

One of our number having a go juggling poi at the Maori cultural show! Oh dear, I thought co-ordination and multi-tasking were female talents!