I’ve never understood why people have a problem with a little controversy on Waitangi Day.
To me, the defining characteristic of New Zealand culture is its refreshing lack of jingoism. I’m glad that we stopped building our parliament building halfway through because we had better things to do with the money. I like that we refer to ourselves as “Godzone” ironically, instead of literally declaring ourselves the best nation in the world. And I’m proud that we have a national day that prompts some reflection on the state of our country instead of odious flag-worshipping and fireworks.
So I’m very pleased to see that we’re sticking with it. In addition to preferring a day that acknowledges what the original deal was supposed to be, I feel we’re already stuck with some spectacularly dull names for things in this country (“North Island”, “South Island”). Would we really want our national holiday to be called something as mind-numbing as “New Zealand Day”? Would we call Anzac Day to “War Is Sad Day”?
