Whakaari Journey's Coming Home

TAIAMAI WHANAU – WAITANGI DAY 2009
Cost $5,500.0 to be a part of this history making journey
Every year on 6 February, New Zealand marks the signing of “TE TIRITI O WAITANGI in 1840. In that year, representatives of the British Crown and over 500 Maori chiefs signed what is New Zealand’s founding document. The day was first officially commemorated in 1934, and it has been a public holiday since 1974.
For some people, Waitangi Day is a holiday; for many, and especially for Maori, it is the occasion for reflecting on the Treaty. Since the 1970s the style and mood of the commemorations on Waitangi Day have been influenced by the increasingly heated debate surrounding the place of the Treaty in modern New Zealand.
Waitangi Day is recognized as New Zealand's national day, however the long-standing tensions associated with it are always likely to surface in one form or another. The date is an important marker in the country's history. Recognition of the significance of the Treaty of Waitangi as the nation's founding document will continue to encourage leaders, communities and individuals to mark the day in new ways.
This year marks the 170th year since the signing and at the request of Maori chiefs, elders and leaders all around the country Maori tribes including their sacred Waka will converge in their tens of thousands upon the Bay of Islands to commemorate the national day of New Zealand. The Tainui (Maori King) and his war party of several hundred warriors will also be attending. Also this year Ngatokimatawhaorua – one of the world’s largest Maori Canoes 140 ft and capable of carrying 150 Warriors will also be in attendance and celebrating its 70th year. This will be a gathering of a Waka fleet (Maori War Canoes) unprecedented since the 1990 celebrations which celebrated 150yrs of colonization. Maori chiefs and tribal groups will bringing their celebrated Waka of all shapes and sizes to Waitangi 2010. With an estimated 30.000 Maori attending this years celebrations promises to be a unique and spiritual occasion for all those who attend New Zealand most significant national day.
You are invited by prominent local Ngapuhi chief Hone Mihaka to join him and his family leading up to this day where you will have the opportunity to be part of these celebrations. You will spend 7 nights and 6 days fully immersed in the world of the Maori. Hone Mihaka who will introduce you to a world of spirituality and emotional arousal. You will be taught the way of the Maori while learning ancient chants, customs and traditions of the Ngapuhi tribe. You will be immersed in all aspects of Daily Maori life in preparation for this exclusive event. Meet with tribal elders, men women and children. Learn things about us which we hope will provide you with an understanding of how Maori view the world.
This will indeed be an exclusive opportunity for those privileged enough to participate in this experience of a lifetime.

Loma Allen (Guide)
1304 – 72 Nelson Street
Central City
Auckland 1010
New Zealand

Email: storm708@gmail.com
+64 (0) 27 6433151