Local Waitangi Day Celebrations

A community day celebration of the Treaty of Waitangi will be hosted by the Te Hana Community Development Charitable Trust.

Where: Te Hana Southern Reserve, State Highway 1
When: Wednesday 6th February starting at 9.30 am

The event includes a mid-morning combined church service, invited dignatories, local tangata whenua and iwi representatives from throughout the Kaipara, entertainment, traditional foods, carving, weaving, crafts, stalls and childrens activities.

Our National Day

Waitangi Day - our national Holiday. Officially this is "a national day of thanksgiving in commemoration of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi" in 1840 between Maori and the British Crown. In other words - Waitangi Day is intended to be our birthday celebration as a country.

Today New Zealand is made up of a whole range of cultures. But we are all Kiwi's. Why not make 2008 the year you celebrate our birthday. Here are a few simple ideas:

1. 1. Hang a New Zealand flag at home or at work (this is the display in the Warkworth Library).
2. Have a beach or backyard BBQ (or a real kiwi roast lamb and pav hot dinner) with family and friends.
3. Visit one of the many fantastic museums or historic sites around the area to learn more about our country and our history.
4. Plant a native tree or plant at your place.
5. Read a classic New Zealand book (ask your local librarian for a recommendation or check out the Rodney Libraries catalgoue) or check out the blog last week when we talked about New Zealand authors.
6. Say Kia Ora to everyone you meeting on Waitangi Day.
7. If you are a trivia buff - organise a Waitangi Day, New Zealand themed quiz.
8. Go to a Waitangi Day celebration. Whether you make the trip up to the Bay of Islands or go to one of the many concerts or events happening around the country, get out and about amongst the people. There are events at Okahu Bay in Auckland and in Waitakere.
9. Read up at the library on the history of New Zealand and the Treaty so you understand the issues better. Look for resources on our Library website.
10. Visit one of the many websites about New Zealand and the Treaty. The Treaty Resource Centre, www.waitangi.com, www.NZhistory.net and the Te Ara (Encyclopaedia of New Zealand) website are just a few that provide good information.

Have a fantastic Waitangi Day. I am going to start my celebrations tonight by sitting down in true Kiwi style and watching the Black Caps beat England in the 20/20 cricket match (lots of shouting at the TV with friends). Ka kite ano.

Te Reo Maori classes in Orewa

Information from Te Herenga Waka o Orewa ph. 09 427 8958 [edit to correct ph. no. 27/10/2009]

For anyone interested in learning Te Reo Maori (the language), a new venture is starting this year. There will be evening classes held in Silverdale and will include Tikanga Maori (ways/culture) including singing and dance movements. The course will run for 36 weeks with excellent tutors and a certificate given at the end of the year, all free of charge. (To have the government funding approved, there needs to be a minimum of 20 students.)

Details:
Te Herenga Waka o Orewa have been in discussions with Te Wananga o Aotearoa to hold Te Reo Maori classes at THW Resource Centre (the old Silverdale Primary School) 30 Foundry Road, Silverdale.

There will be an induction into their course on Tuesday 12 February 2008 6-8pm at the THW Resource Centre for those wanting to enrol. Bring I.D. to enrol on the night. The course will be confirmed if the enrolments from the induction night are over 20 . The course is for 36 weeks with term breaks in-between. Classes will commence in early March. This course is one night a week for 3 hours (usually 6-9pm). It is free and is available to anyone over the age of 16. You will receive a certificate in Te Ara Reo Maori on completion of this course.

Library book sales in February

There are two Library book sales coming up in February. They are almost at opposite ends of the district so no matter where you are you'll be able to come in and find something you like.

This month we are working with two Lions groups to bring you these book sales.

15 and 16 February at Old Masonic Lodge, partnered with the Warkworth Lions.

20 to 23 February at The Plaza, partnered with the Whangaparaoa Lions.

What is it to be a Kiwi? (the bird)

Kiwi live a dangerous and difficult life in the wild. Habitat destruction and predators are a deadly combination for this low-living national icon. Their survival prospects are looking up with the success of kiwi rescue programmes around New Zealand.

Eggs are taken at an appropriate time, hatched and the chicks returned to the wild when they are big enough to defend themselves. The 1000th egg in this process is almost at hatching stage. It's progress can be followed on the KiwiLife section of the "Save the Kiwi"website.

The library has a number of books on the kiwi which can be found by searching "Kiwis" under a subject search.