February 5

We toured the Treaty Grounds to hear more Maori culture and history. The first interactions with Europeans occurred in the Bay of Islands in the early 1800s. By the 1880s, European settlers outnumbered the Maori. Britain was reported to be a reluctant participant in the government of the early days based on their experience in the American colonies. Once the Treaty of Waitangi was drafted, it was translated and presented to Maori chiefs for their agreement, eventually travelling throughout the North Island to collect the signatures of 500 chiefs. It has remained a controversial document and continues to be the subject of many disputes, settlements and compensation.

The signing of the Treaty of Wataingi signing is celebrated with a national holiday every year on February 6. Events were scheduled for the day we toured, and some areas were inaccessible because of security.

A waka (war canoe) and detail of wood carving with paua shell decoration which is used extensively to adorn Maori carvings.

Maori warrior pose with widened eyes and protruding tongue. These performers presented traditional drumming, dancing and singing at the museum. In the background is a photo of a waka on the bay.