This is my entry for Friday's Market Day challenge organised by 
I decided to postpone my 2nd instalment of my Redcliffe Jetty Markets as I attended a local Waitangi Day Celebration in Redcliffe over the weekend and thought this event, which was organized as a market would be more topical for the moment.
Waitangi Day is officially New Zealand’s National Day. It always takes place on February 6th unless the 6th happens to fall on the weekend and then it will be celebrated on the Monday following. This is the day New Zealanders celebrate the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. The Treaty of Waitangi was first signed in 1840 in Waitangi which is situated in the Bay of Islands on the North Island of New Zealand. The significance of this treaty was in securing British sovereignty over New Zealand.
But it wasn’t until 1947 that yearly celebrations and observations of this event began and it was declared a public holiday. In mid- 1950, Maori cultural performances were included in the official ceremonies and this tradition has continued which also includes speeches from both Maori and Pakeha (white men) dignitaries. The New Zealand flag, the Union Flag and the White Ensign are flown on the flagstaff of the treaty grounds. Maori canoes and a navy ship re-enact the day when Governor Hobson originally came ashore to sign the treaty. Maori meeting houses (Marae’s) are opened to the public, welcoming them to experience Maori culture and protocol, and New Zealander’s use this day off to commemorate their national holiday in various ways. A trip to the beach is probably at the top of some Kiwi’s list of priorities.
For expatriates like myself and my fellow Steemian 
Outdoor Concert Arena.
Many Maoris have emigrated overseas, but their culture remains important and integral to their daily living. I am fortunate to live the city of Redcliffe, Queensland, Australia where a large contingent of Aussie expats gathered for a day of celebration and fun. Wonderful produce, crafts and entertainment were featured around the Redcliffe Show Grounds.
Keen fans grab a front row seat.
A variety of stalls were arranged in a circle making the temporary under cover tent the central focus And so it should be. Nothing makes me more nostalgic for ‘home’ than listening to the harmonious and powerful, sounds of Maori singers and their music. It really stirs my soul which is understandable as I have Maori blood in me on my father’s side. I would have been happy to find a seat under that blue awning and listen all day to the music, but unfortunately, I didn’t have the luxury of time to do that. Instead, I listened as I strolled the stalls taking photos of the colourful and interesting sights all around me.
There were hat stalls.
And traditional Maori gourmet treats such as mouth watering Hangi Pies (I will go into more detail about these in next weeks post)
And stalls displaying intricate Maori carvings and handmade jewellery.
This wooden carving has a lovely paua shell as a beautiful feature. These images are just a few that I took on Saturday. Hopefully I have whetted your appetite for more Waitangi Day Celebration photos so I promise t return with more next week. N.B. I'd love to hear from any fellow Kiwis wherever you are living and hear how you celebrated Waitangi Day.
See you all next week.
