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Sunday, February 14, 2010

scenic sunday: New Zealand's Waitangi Day Celebration










We now are introduced to a unique experience only from New Zealand. According to Māori Protocol, there is the Powhiri Official formal welcome.
The opening ceremony gives us a chance to watch the Ngati Whatua o Orakei give a powhiri. It begins with wero/challenge. The chief challenges the manuhiri/guests. He carries a spear (taiaha) then lays down a token (often a small branch) that the manuhiri ( Mayor John Banks) picks up to show they come in peace.












John Banks, the mayor picks up the branch as a peace token as part of the Powhiri.
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The Piupiu or grass skirt is worn both by man and woman. They are worn on special occasions like this when they have the powhiri.

The Powhiri photos were last year's Waitangi Day celebration. I had intended to go again this year, but I fell sick.

11 comments:

Reader Wil said...

We saw the powhiri ceremony in New Zealand too and my youngest grandson, who was 2 1/2 at the time started crying when he saw the Maori man dancing and rolling his eyes. It was all very impressive. Thanks for sharing these photos, Ann.
You asked about roses, how we grow them. Well in summer they grow outside in our gardens. In winter probably in hothouses, but they are also imported.

Joe Todd said...

Thanks form the photo tour and commentary.. Always an enjoyable visit

allhorsestuff said...

Oou sorry you fell ill..but last years visit was neat-o!
Thanks..the sign in a few of the shots of them dancing the challenge said, probably exactly what they meant in the dance...
"No Entry"!! Too funny

Meet you at the barn in an hour..we shall drink wine with the horses, while admiring your roses! Nice visual Ann!
KK

Glennis said...

I can see that you were actually there. Wow.
I like the puipui hanging high in the air. I have actually worn one of these and they swing nicely around you as you move and make a nice sound.
Ann, my daughter would say go for it, get training and do the Round the bays walk. By the way she is in her 40's not so young and she can do it and win. give it a shot. But she has never walked in that event.

RA said...

Very interesting ceremony. Thanks for sharing. Have a wonderful week, Ann :)

இ Baŋäŋaz இ said...

Hi thanks for dropping by. Why the name banana? Color of the banana skin is yellow, which represents Chinese and the inside is white referring to Caucasian. Since we are educated in English and we do not read or write Chinese (Mandarin) we are better known as 'banana people'. tQ

maryt/theteach said...

Ann, thanks for commenting at my Chinese new Year post! Thanks for teaching us about celebrations in New Zealand! :)

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Ann, That Waitangi Day Celebration looks so interesting... I'd love to see that in person. Thanks for sharing.
Hugs,
Betsy

sunnymama said...

This looks a fun celebration! Great shots. :)

Anonymous said...

Great photos and information. What a wonderful celebration!

George said...

Thanks for sharing this information and the photos about the Waitangi Day Celebration. It must be a very impressive ceremony to attend.
I hope you are now feeling better.