It's a day we should be commemorating, and Wanganui and its regions seem to be doing it with gusto this year. The diary for Wednesday, February 6 is chocker with events for our national day.
The signing of the Treaty of Waitangi marks the birth of New Zealand after the compact signed between the British Crown and Maori. We have tried to thrash out a consensus over what the Treaty means in the last 170 years. Originally thought to be a magnanimous effort by the Crown, it has since been tested by iwi that signed, with varying success.
Our commemoration of the signing of the Treaty and celebration of a national day has drawn comparisons with Australia Day on January 26. That day marks the establishment of the first European settlement at Port Jackson, now part of Sydney, in 1788.
While those who think we should be more like Australia are probably not in touch with the dissent sounded by that country's original people. And their opinions probably echo the same questions being asked about the US's Columbus Day.
Friction on Waitangi Day is not the end of the world, and with the country focused on the national marae in Northland it is not surprising that frustration comes to the surface. But are there not bigger issues here than who will be the Prime Minister's escort for the walk on to Te Tii Marae? A debate on water rights would be a good start, or the investment needed to reduce child poverty.
No matter what happens at Waitangi, the day is ours for better or worse. We can't do away with it just because we want parades and a day at the beach and nothing more taxing.
