Why Tangi

Why Tangi?

Every year on the 6th of February we are lucky enough to get a day off.

Yes it is to mark the signing of the Treaty. A document whose history conjures up ill sentiments – amongst many a New Zealander.
It’s a well known fact that the Maori were ripped off and yes translations were questionable but we are missing the point here.
Anyone with even the most minuscule understanding of colonial takeovers around the world knows that the Maori here got a fairly good deal, it is this fact that cements our country and makes us who we are. Trust me things could have been a lot worse, for example the French were on their way when the English landed, one may ask what would have eventuated had they got here first instead.

However without sounding too right wing let me get back to the point.

Yes – there was a certain maliciousness surrounding that piece of paper.
However the foundation of it is such a blessed and remarkable achievement that I think we bask in the awkwardness of its fine print a bit too often.

This is a nation despite a few idiosyncrasies we stand united, we celebrate our
differences. There are so many cultures here now but we all share a certain attitude. There is a sense of the under dog that creates a bark amongst us...

When South Africa tried to field an all white team we said “hang on a minute”.
When The French tried to test nukes in the pacific we said, “not on our watch buddies”.
Then when the English argued the pros and cons of our nuclear free stance our prime minister said he could smell the uranium on their breath.

We climb mountains, take on Hollywood, and gave women the vote first and so on and so on.

This is a fine, fine nation.

Recently I heard an interview with Kevin Roberts who is the CEO of Saatchi and Saatchi.
They asked him why, when he can live any where in the world, he chooses to live here?
He said.

“Have you been to New Zealand?”
“No”
“Well that would answer the question, New Zealand is paradise, it’s a valued driven society, they’re are big on social equality, environmental issues, and they believe in greater education for all, it is like England but a place that the upper class has not ruined.

Herein lays my point if one of the most influential creative thinkers in the world knows we are great, why don’t we?

Australia day is a massive celebration, people throw parties, get together have traditional meals and they really encapsulate what it is to be Australian.

What do we do on our National day, at best we celebrate the birthday of Bob Marley at worse we have these shadows of yesterday hanging over us.

Tomorrow I hope we all take time to reflect on what a great country we live in and actually take the time to soak some of it in.

If you’re like me and you have not travelled much you may not appreciate Aotearoa as much as you should.

Waitangi day is the day to make up for lost time.

Happy new Zealand Day Everyone.