The cook's job is done

On this day in 1840, Governor Hobson signed a treaty with Maori Rangatira (Chiefs). Known as the Treaty of Waitangi because of where it was signed it is the founding document of the nation of New Zealand. Maori know the treaty as Te Tiriti o Waitangi. There was an English language version and a Te Reo (Maori language) version. Both were signed and both have the same status, even if that took 150 years to achieve. 

It is a day of celebration of our nationhood. The strength of that nationhood is shown by the willingness of Maori to challenge the short fall in meeting the obligations signed up to in the Treaty. One challenges those who are respected and accepted at some level if not completely. The main ceremonial activities take place on the Marae at Waitangi. 

For me, today became a day of rest and recovery, as it is a public holiday, and I was not on call, nor duty. Indeed, my only duty today (apart from the every day matter of making pots of coffee for S and me to drink) was to use the BBQ this evening