Waitangi Day

February 06, 2012

New Zealand inspires me—but not for the reason you think. Sure, I’m struck by its natural beauty and adventurous spirit (hello, birthplace of bungee jumping), but more than that, I’m inspired by the New Zealand ability to get along.

February 6th is Waitangi Day in New Zealand, a holiday commemorating the 1840 treaty between the British and the native Maori people. Ever since Europeans entered the Land of the Long White Cloud (the Maori name for the islands), their history of interactions is not unlike those in our own history—filled with double-dealing and forgotten promises. However, in this South Pacific nation, the Maori and the British signed that treaty in 1840 and since then have reached a peace that Americans and Native Americans have never attained. In New Zealand, Maori and English are the two official languages, and there are two national anthems. Many places have names in both English and Maori (with preference going to the Maori name). Meanwhile in our country, Native Americans remained the most impoverished ethnicity.

So I encourage you to get an outside perspective. Have a look at some of the books and videos of this nation (which was also the first to allow women to vote), check our databases, or maybe consider a trip to New Zealand. As our world becomes more global, there’s a lot we can learn from each other.

Happy Waitangi Day!

Brian M.
Boardwalk Branch