Whine-tangi Day and Maori Protocol?

[Paul in NZ]

I'm starting to really really dislike Waitangi Day. It seems that it drags out every person with a grievance (real or imaginary) and offers them a chance to claim back this or jostle that and get it all on the front page of the media. It's never been a day of celebration but rather a day of anger and bile - pointless and harmful.

I'm not blaming Maori, Helen Clarke or even the media - but rather I just don't care anymore. Certainly I don't see anything to celebrate. Better to give Waitangi back to the stupid lecturer and let him turn it into a theme park or extend the golf course or something. Its hardly sacred ground is it?

On a slightly different but related topic, I was interested in the comments around increased intimidation in Marae Protocol. Its not a subject I'm terribly familiar with or even want to know anything about anymore. I could however understand what they were going on about with the dog noises though. My own experiences to date have been pretty negative and hostile and I have found myself giving any Marae a wide birth - I don't need the grief and would try to avoid another visit at almost any cost.

So - has it always been so?

I suppose so, people (Maori and non Maori) have been cunts for centuries - the romantic past is usually a construct of our imagination I'm just too tired to care this year.

[MisterD]

Go to the beach, avoid any and all media outlets...sweeet.

[Paul in NZ]

Go to the beach, avoid any and all media outlets...sweeet.

Exactly - the only fun in the whole 'Waitangi' thing is wondering if someone will actually get assaulted as well as insulted this year or not.

[Hitcher]

It's a day off. Enjoy it. No doubt there are politicians who will make all sorts of outrageous statements tomorrow to appeal to their adoring fans. The media will not allow a sensible and serious debate on "Maori issues". Conflict and misreporting attracts more people and sells more advertising.

I'm past caring and plan to do a return trip to Akitio tomorrow, weather permitting.

[merv]

Yeah day off to go riding. Hitcher I will be on this ride North Range Road and if we do Pori Road we will come out on the Pongaroa - Alfredton Road say may spot you if by coincidence we coincide on that stretch of seal. I'll probably steer them off that road on the way South and take the gravel via Bideford to head to Masterton.

[Grub]

I'm past caring and plan to do a return trip to Akitio tomorrow, weather permitting.

It's fair to assume that we may meet up then. Since it sounds like the Manawatu/HB/Rapa ride is ging to be in them there parts (Woodville 10:10)

Fair comments Paul. It used be a day of nationhood now it's just embarrassing to all concerned. Was going to suggest that to expunge all those horrid connotations of the day, a ride beginning at Rimutex and then to distant parts might be a good idea. I know you're not that fond of group rides but it'd be nice to meet up aong the way.

[Grub]

... weather permitting.

Rural forecasts:-

Manawatu: Fine and sunny. Southeasterlies, fresh by day, easing in the evening.

Wairarapa: Mostly cloudy, but fine spells in the afternoon, especially inland. Southeast winds, fresh at first.

Hawkes Bay: Mostly cloudy, with isolated light showers. Southerlies, fresh at first.

So it's warm gear I'm thinking and maybe a little rain gear

[Deano]

Yep - weather looks good - will be riding.

[Str8 Jacket]

Well seeing as I cant go riding I will be celebrating Waitangi Day by going paintball shooting. Now if only I could get a "real" gun, then I could really stir the Waitangi Day celebrations up!

[sunhuntin]

im working, so ill be getting time and a half and a day in leiu, which is fine and dandy by me.

[Maha]

Certainly I don't see anything to celebrate.

Me either Paul...its a day off work where i can get out and ride, Pisses me off when it falls on a weekend tho'. Let all those who want to moan and bitch and all those who want to listen to those who moan and bitch get on with it for a day and the rest of us?.... enjoy ya' day off, thats my intention. Mark

[sugilite:Me]

Yep - weather looks good - will be riding.

Hey, your taking this off topic with all this talk of riding motorbikes Have you forgotten where you are man!!!

[Skyryder]

I see Waitangi Day like this. For Maori it's a beat up and an excuse to blame all and sundry for their woes.

For us it's an excuse for the polies to strut their stuff and show how much they care...............with our money.

New Zealand will never have any harmony on this day as it is a day of greavance for both Maori and now 'Pakeha.' It needs consigning to the dustbin of history.

Skyryder

[jimbo600]

Well I won't be riding. I'll be standing with my Tuhoe brothers doing my bit to raise awareness of the plight of Maori people in NZ.

Nah fuck that, I'll be working. And if I wasn't working i'd be drinking.

[HenryDorsetCase]

My view is that as a "national day" it sucks completely. As you say, its been hijacked by the likes of those Harawiras and all that crew. Not only that but it isnt even a "proper" day off holiday: if it falls in a weekend you dont get the Monday off.

My view: scrub it. Let the munters who want to argue about it do so.

Make ANZAC day our national day. All shops closed same as Christmas day and Easter Sunday.

No right to vote or receive any form of state assistance unless you attend a dawn parade or provide a medical certificate that you couldnt go.

Anzac day celebrates what makes this country great: international recognition, co-operation, bravery and sacrifice, and it doesnt matter what colour you are or whose great grandfather screwed over who out of what scrubby bit of backcountry*.

I will be out riding my motorbike if the weather is reasonable.




*I exaggerate slightly for effect.