Tuesday 6 February 24

Each year the 6th of February is highly significant in New Zealand, since it the anniversary of The Treaty of Waitangi in 1840…

This was a proclamation of British sovereignty rights over the whole of NZ, but, since it’s inception, especially as more of the Maori population have become better educated, many disputes have been aired due to how the Treaty has been interpreted by the European settlers (Pākeha) and those of Maori descent…

Considerable debate has continued over the fundamental legal status of the Treaty and the extent to which actual Racism existed(s)…

Our destination today, after being collected by cousin Gail at 10.30 am, was due north to her sister’s (Elaine – funilly enough, also another of my Scottish cousins😉🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿) abode in Whangarie, Northland, coincidentally c.72 km south of Waitangi itself…

The journey took us over the Auckland Harbour Bridge and into rolling countryside …

We stopped for a coffee briefly in the wee settlement of Wellsford, where I had a wry smile at the name of the local “bean counters”….🤼‍♂️😉

An hour or so later we arrived at Elaine’s “country retreat” set in 5 acres on the outskirts of Whangarie.

If Heineken made stunning views…

Elaine and I last met 18 years ago, so it was a real pleasure to see her in the country she has lived in for many years, especially since she was now such a good cook!

So, after quickly catching up on events both recent and past, the first of two splendid meals were served up on the decking with the sun still beating down😎