Waitangi Day 6th February

I repost a celebation I attended at Okahu Bay, one Waitangi Day when I was involved with Ngarimu and Zero waste.

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.

I am linking my blog post for Heather, whose son was murdered. They are trying to get a bill to pass Cameron's law to make eye witnesses to be responsible.

http://annkitsuetchin.blogspot.co.nz/2014/01/support-bill-for-camerons-law.html

https://www.facebook.com/CameronsLaw/info