Just after Christmas we took my parents to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, now that they have the museum there the whole place has grown quite a bit. After going through the museum and looking over the peninsula we wanted to visit the Marae which is not only used for huis (meetings) but is also for performances for tourists and kiwis. The reason this area is so important is that on this land the treaty was first signed between the British and the Maori.
We waited outside for the performance that was happening inside to finish and once everyone came out we walked in and took photos. Now normally if you're not Maori you have to be welcomed onto the Marae grounds, you can't just enter but this one is for everyone and most Maraes aren't lit up like this. Along the walls are the most amazing carvings, weaving and artwork - this really symbolizes our culture.
Linking up with The Weekend Roundup and Weekend Reflections.
12 comments:
Now that is a beautiful building , gkad you were able to get photos
Gosh. I've never been into a Marae. Indeed I've always been very careful not even to go onto Marae ground without an invitation.
Interesting building. I also read some of your older posts and love the teapot tree.
It is on our "to do" list especially the new Maori Battalion Museum.
What a beautiful building both inside and out.
I really enjoyed my visit here and found the whole place, including the museum, quite fascinating.
Impressive!
That looks marvellous. The only place like that I've visited are the tourist places in Rotorua.
Beautiful - and thank you for the info on it, also.
That sure is a beautiful marae except for that horrible lighting. What's that all about? Sorry, I sound awfully rude, am becoming quite intolerant in my old age.
Not a worry Pauline, I always welcome your views :-)
I think the lighting is for Kapa Haka performances.
Certainly good for a visit Have a great week ahead.
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