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Tomorrow is the 185th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi on February 6, 1840, one of New Zealand’s important founding documents. PJ TAYLOR visited the pleasant environment of Ormiston Town Centre to ask people what does Waitangi Day mean to them?
Lauren Glass, of Ormiston:
“As an immigrant, it helps to explain the history, how New Zealand came to be. I’m a teacher and to be enlightened I’ve been to the Treaty grounds twice to understand.”
John Keogh, of Whitford:
“Waitangi Day is a day for all New Zealanders, and we should appreciate it as one nation. It’s a day for all cultures to be celebrated.”
Jono Clark, of Waharau:
“Every day is Waitangi Day. The day is a time to reflect on the relationship with the citizens of New Zealand especially tangata whenua, and to remember history.”
Logan Ulberg, of Flat Bush:
“Waitangi Day is a day we should think about taking a look to change a few things. It’s a massive day in the Maori culture.”
Lindsay Richards, of Flat Bush:
“Waitangi Day is a New Zealand public holiday and should be a day for everyone to celebrate our country. A lot has changed over the past 40 years.”
Inaya Khan, 9, of Ormiston:
With her Mum’s permission: “I’ve learned in school that it’s the day Maori signed a contract with the British to live in partnership and in peace.”
