The 180th anniversary of Te Tiriti o Waitangi is being marked today in various ways across the country. In Christchurch there’s a festival in Victoria Square where many stalls had a Maori and/or sustainability focus.
Waitangi Day stalls
I bought Shabby Chic All Natural Cleaning Paste, made from baking soda, pure castile soap, and essential oils. It looks a little like Chemico. There was also a variety of food stalls, some of which had a Maori flavour
Food stalls
Raw fish was offered, and Hearty Hangi’s made with love.
Modern hangi are gas-powered
Hundreds of people were enjoying the music and entertainment in the fine weather.
Waitangi Day entertainment
I noticed two plaques laid in the ground of the Square, that I hadn’t seen before. One read Market stalls selling meat, fish, produce and groceries occupied this area in the 1880s, and another: Public Works Department offices and yards occupied this site in the 1860s.
6 February is a day when we can stop and reflect on the meaning of Te Tiriti and what action we might take. There have been several messages about the importance of Pakeha learning Maori ways to balance the fact that Maori have been obliged to live in a Pakeha world for over 180 years. My learning Te Reo this year will be a move in that direction.
We need to learn the Maori way
and hear the things they have to say
Ruth's Reflections 
where was this advertised. Seems there are many things on in Christchurch that I never hear about !
LikeLike
There was an item about it in the morning’s “Press”
LikeLike