Waitangi Day

New Zealand's national day, Waitangi Day, commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi on February 6, 1840. At that time 500 Maori Chiefs and representatives of the British crown signed New Zealand's founding document. This treaty recognized the Maori as British citizens and gave them rights to their land. However, there is significant debate over the differences between the English version and Maori version of the treaty.

I celebrated the national holiday by attending the Waitangi Day celebrations in the little village of Clive. Jeff, John-Luc and I wandered around the fair grounds looking at displays of Maori art, and culture. We were definitely the minority at this rather large Maori gathering. At one point we saw several Mongrel Mob members, standing watch at the top of the hill.

There are two main New Zealand gangs that dominate the streets. The Mongrel Mob wear red shirts with black leather vests depicting a bull dog on the back. The opposing Black Power wear blue(Go figure-seems Blue Power would be more appropriate!) Red seemed to be the dominating color at this function. Jeff informed me that if any Black Power members were foolish enough to show their faces, we would make a quick exit! Being caught up in a battle between two opposing gangs would have put a damper on my first Waitangi Day.