Waitangi Day doesn't represent conflict for many New Zealanders. Outside of 3 News, most have never witnessed the day's protest, nor do they comprehend the claims (legitimate or otherwise) that are brought to the fore.
On 6 February every year, there are no riots on Queen Street. No marches down Cuba Street, nor any kerfuffles outside Parliament. It's a relatively peaceful day, save for an often-small group at Waitangi itself. In fact, Auckland now raises both the New Zealand ensign and the Tino Rangatiratanga flags on the Harbour Bridge, which is surely a sign of the legitimate celebration of all parties to the Treaty as equal founders of New Zealand.
The Treaty of Waitangi is one of the longest continuously upheld treaties in the world, so surely is worth celebrating as landmark legislation. Moreover, the principles of the Treaty are the cornerstone of New Zealand Legislation. They are unique to our way of doing things at this end of the world.
In place of a written constitution à la USA, this means we have crafted a form of government that is quick to reflect the opinions of the modern population. It makes landmark legislation - marriage equality, for example - far more efficient than would be possible in the convoluted systems of Australia, America and beyond.
The stereotype of Waitangi Day being a day of unrest and conflict is no longer in line with how the majority of the modern generation of Kiwis view the day, or the progress of the country. What may have been righteous acts once, don't mesh with the majority's desire for national harmony and fairness now.
I'm sure the American Independence Day had its naysayers and opposition in the late 1700s, but try impinging upon that patriotism now, and you'll only find a country unified in celebrating with beers, barbecues and fireworks. Countries move on from historical bad blood, and New Zealand's modern generation needs to do the same.
We might also note, with Hone Harawira rejected by the Te Tai Tokerau electorate in 2014, it would seem the majority consensus is that Harawira's politics don't represent the common opinions around Northland and wider Tangata Whenua. Maybe John Key's mission is quietly succeeding after all: there is serious public goodwill about resolving all Treaty settlements, and, here in 2015, mere few are left with grumbles about its progress (on Friday they'll likely be about the Ngapuhi settlement).
In two days time, let's celebrate Waitangi Day, not keep it on the downlow. It's a day for barbeques at Okahu Bay Reserve, for playing backyard cricket, for enjoying this wonderful Kiwi summer we're having on the beach, and maybe even for digging up a few pipis. It's a day we should crack a cold one with good company and celebrate how free and wonderful New Zealand is, and how, through our continual innovation and evolvement, we move forward as a nation every year and leave no one behind.
Yes, there's still a bit of weight on our shoulders about our history. But there's also widespread indifference amongst the modern generation, and that's just not good enough.
I'm not asking us all to drape ourselves in the New Zealand flag; we can leave that for footy games. But let's leave the permanently aggrieved protesters to it, and not let them impinge on what Waitangi Day should be for the rest of us.
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