We visited the Waitangi Treaty Grounds (30-minute walk from Paihia) for the 4th time and though we've "been there, done that", we heard that they opened up a new museum, so we went again.
We started out with a guided tour, led by Owen, a historian, whose Maori ancestor was the 10th Maori chief to sign the treaty between the British and Maori in 1840. The treaty is very controversial and is disputed even to this day. This is because the English version and the Maori translation of the treaty said different things regarding sovereignty over the land and governance. In spite of this, about 500 Maori chiefs (not all) signed the treaty.
Owen studied original documents and said that it is unclear if the difference in the translation was intentional. It was known that the Maori would not give up sovereignty over the land but they wanted governance to ease the interactions between the Maori tribes and the white colonists. Missionary Henry Williams, who translated the English word "sovereignty" to the Maori word "governance", was very sympathetic to the Maori people and might have been concerned that if they did not sign the treaty, the British would decimate them on the island.
Owen then took us to the Maori Meeting House where we were greeted by Maori warriors and maidens.
Since our last visit, a museum was built which encompasses the history of Waitaingi and Maori art.
We also enjoyed walking the grounds and bush.
We love markets! And we found a great one on Saturday at The Old Packhouse in Kerikeri. Lots of wonderful arts and crafts, music, food stalls, fresh baked goods, etc.
One stall in particular caught my eye: Le Woof, natural dried doggie chew treats made from animal parts like pig snouts, deer ears, etc. The labels were intriguing and I asked what was a pizzle was and the owner said, "Bull penis. We call them 'pizzles' because who would buy a bull penis?" You got me there!
Another day we went to tiny Aroha Island (linked to land by a causeway), a kiwi sanctuary, eco center and camping spot.
Before hiking around the island (30 minutes), we visited Wendy and Simon in the center who told us all about the North Island Brown Kiwi. These birds are endangered and prone to predators. There are 5 (2 male, 3 female) on the island, who are watched carefully by CCTV. As they are nocturnal, we didn't see any, but instead saw one of the CCTV films of Hayden, one of the males, nesting. Simon told us that the females in this area are unique and have 2 ovaries so they lay eggs twice a year. Other females have only one ovary and therefore lay only 1 egg a year.
We started out with a guided tour, led by Owen, a historian, whose Maori ancestor was the 10th Maori chief to sign the treaty between the British and Maori in 1840. The treaty is very controversial and is disputed even to this day. This is because the English version and the Maori translation of the treaty said different things regarding sovereignty over the land and governance. In spite of this, about 500 Maori chiefs (not all) signed the treaty.
Owen studied original documents and said that it is unclear if the difference in the translation was intentional. It was known that the Maori would not give up sovereignty over the land but they wanted governance to ease the interactions between the Maori tribes and the white colonists. Missionary Henry Williams, who translated the English word "sovereignty" to the Maori word "governance", was very sympathetic to the Maori people and might have been concerned that if they did not sign the treaty, the British would decimate them on the island.
Owen and the 100-person war canoe
Owen then took us to the Maori Meeting House where we were greeted by Maori warriors and maidens.
Owen standing in front of the sacred Maori Meeting House
Maori warriors
We saw a musical performance inside.
After the performance, posing with the performers
Since our last visit, a museum was built which encompasses the history of Waitaingi and Maori art.
Carved Maori head with tattoos
We also enjoyed walking the grounds and bush.
We love markets! And we found a great one on Saturday at The Old Packhouse in Kerikeri. Lots of wonderful arts and crafts, music, food stalls, fresh baked goods, etc.
Delicious bread (German baker) with NZ fern stenciled on top
One stall in particular caught my eye: Le Woof, natural dried doggie chew treats made from animal parts like pig snouts, deer ears, etc. The labels were intriguing and I asked what was a pizzle was and the owner said, "Bull penis. We call them 'pizzles' because who would buy a bull penis?" You got me there!
Pizzles and other assorted dog goodies
Another day we went to tiny Aroha Island (linked to land by a causeway), a kiwi sanctuary, eco center and camping spot.
Map of Aroha Island
Before hiking around the island (30 minutes), we visited Wendy and Simon in the center who told us all about the North Island Brown Kiwi. These birds are endangered and prone to predators. There are 5 (2 male, 3 female) on the island, who are watched carefully by CCTV. As they are nocturnal, we didn't see any, but instead saw one of the CCTV films of Hayden, one of the males, nesting. Simon told us that the females in this area are unique and have 2 ovaries so they lay eggs twice a year. Other females have only one ovary and therefore lay only 1 egg a year.
A stuffed female kiwi
Views from around the island
Yes, we also saw that dance performance. The new museum must be interesting. OHH..that 'fern' bread looks delectable. Markets are the best. Love Kerikeri. Aroha Island looks neat. Is there any island you have not visited? Amazing.
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