AN EXCLUSIVE CULTURAL EXPERIENCE TAKING MAORI TOURISM TO THE NEXT LEVEL - WAITANGI DAY 2011
From the Bay of Islands on Northlands east coast to Hokianga on the west coast, New Zealand’s largest indigenous tribe numbering upwards of 100.000 is made up of over 100 smaller independent Hapu (clans) who collectively constitute a tribal confederation now called Ngapuhi nui tonu.
In the late 18th century the eastern grouping of Hapu, in particular the Taiamai, Waimate and Bay of Islands Ngapuhi were the first hapu to establish trading links with the earliest European traders to these shores. They would also be instrumental in securing international recognition for all tribes of New Zealand by calling on all international communities to acknowledge the sovereignty and independence of these Islands and its indigenous peoples hence the Declaration of Independence on the 28th of October 1835.
5 Years later the Taiamai, Waimate and Bay of Islands chiefs and their hapu along with a small number of Hokianga chiefs would also pave the way of future potential and opportunities by ensuring that England would have exclusive trade in New Zealand over and above its French and American competitors who were also looking favorably upon New Zealand.
On the 6th of February 1845 a binding relationship would be agreed upon whereby Te Tiriti o Waitangi would be signed changing the way of life for the indigenous people of New Zealand forever. From 1790 through to 1840 the Bay of Islands hapu would lead the tribes of New Zealand from out of the obscurity and the stone age and into what is now known as the industrial age of the 19th century.
Every year on 6 February, New Zealand marks the signing of “TE TIRITI O WAITANGI in 1840. The day was first officially commemorated in 1934, and it has been a public holiday since 1974. For some people, Waitangi Day is a holiday; however for many, and especially for the indigenous people, it is the occasion for reflecting on the Te Tiriti and the wrongs committed by the early settlers and governments. Since the 1970s the style and mood of the commemorations on Waitangi Day have been influenced by the increasingly heated debate surrounding the place of the Te Tiriti in modern New Zealand.
Waitangi Day is recognized as New Zealand's national day, however the long-standing tensions associated with it are always likely to surface in one form or another. The date is an important marker in the country's history. Recognition of the significance of Te Tiriti (still pending) as the nation's founding document will continue to encourage leaders, communities and individuals to mark the day in their own ways.
This year marks the 171st year since the signing of The Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. Similar to previous years, Maori tribes from all over New Zealand including their sacred war canoes will converge upon the Bay of Islands to commemorate the national day of New Zealand. The Bay of Islands will be a hive of indigenous and cultural activities. With an average attendance of 30.000+ annually the celebrations are a unique and spiritual occasion for all New Zealanders and visitors alike who happen to be in the Bay of Islands durings the nation’s most significant and historical national day.
Those wishing to participate in a truly life changing experience during thier once in a lifetime New Zealand holiday are invited to join prominent Ngapuhi chief, Hone Mihaka including his tribal family 3 days prior to Waitangi day, preparing to participate in the Waitangi commemorations while crewing and paddling their own traditional Maori Waka.
Through participation you experience, learn and understand the significance of this national day from the perspective of local indigenous people. You are hosted by the Mihaka family whose ancient tribal customs and traditions have never been extinguished despite the colonization of their tribal lands. Through participation in ancient rituals, traditions, customs and spirituality you will grow to understand the way of Ngapuhi, New Zealand’s largest tribal Maori group. Hone personally promises you an experience which goes beyond the normal realms of Tourism product and activities.
With a large gathering of tribal War canoes and up to 500 Maori warriors participating in the days celebrations, you too will be right in amongst the action should you choose to be a part of this exclusive and spiritually moving event. Join us and just maybe, no definitely through participation you will depart at the end of your 5 day cultural encounter with a much deeper and intimate understanding of a remarkable people, and their way of life.
Never before in the history of New Zealand Tourism has there been an opportunity like this offered. Taking place only once a year and available for up to 34 special customers those who participate will experience our hospitality as the guardians of our national day Waitangi. From this perspective New Zealand’s most significant historical day of commemorations Waitangi, is unique and irreplaceable
Your total satisfaction is guarranteed!...
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