In contrast to the previous day's wine festival disappointment, July 11 saw us at the opening of Whakanewha Regional Park, located a couple of miles from our house. This is a large park with spectacular coastal property (most of the coast remaining on the island is being picked up by gazillionaires for their mansions). The day began with the arrival of the waka taua, a large Maori canoe. This one had about 30 rowers, and room for twice as many others on the boat. After a few circles around the bay (to give them a good chance to chant and stick their tongues out at us), they landed and the official opening began.
The park was opened by the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Helen Clark, the woman in the orange shirt behind the Maori with the spear in the picture. She walked within 10 feet of us, with no obvious security (other than the Maori with a spear).
We didn't hang around for the speeches, but there were children's book readings, games, food and a beautiful bay, all making for a great day.
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