Friday February 6 was a day of concern for London authorities as Waitangi Day dawned. The day refers to a commemoration of a treaty celebrated by New Zealand expatriates. It is actually a more popular event in London than it is in Aukland, somewhat akin to the way Americans use Cinco de Mayo as an excuse for a party while for Mexicans it has about as much significance as Arbor Day. In London, the event is traditionally marked by a massive "pub crawl." Last year, 10,000 participants rode the Circle Line on the tube starting at 10 a.m. and getting off at each of the 27 stops to have at least one drink. By the time night fell and the merry crowd gathered at Parliament Square to perform traditional maori dances, the crowd was in a rousing good mood. they managed to do f10,000 damage to the square and forced numerous tube stations to close. This year, authorities say they're cracking down. Organizers vowed to fight on, however, advertising their goal as being to double the number of celebrants and advising those attending to BYOB, since pubs may be reluctant to serve as the event goes on. Authorities may have had the last word, however, with the announcement that the circle line would be closed on Waitangi Day for "routine" maintenance.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Wild, Wild Waitangi Day
Friday February 6 was a day of concern for London authorities as Waitangi Day dawned. The day refers to a commemoration of a treaty celebrated by New Zealand expatriates. It is actually a more popular event in London than it is in Aukland, somewhat akin to the way Americans use Cinco de Mayo as an excuse for a party while for Mexicans it has about as much significance as Arbor Day. In London, the event is traditionally marked by a massive "pub crawl." Last year, 10,000 participants rode the Circle Line on the tube starting at 10 a.m. and getting off at each of the 27 stops to have at least one drink. By the time night fell and the merry crowd gathered at Parliament Square to perform traditional maori dances, the crowd was in a rousing good mood. they managed to do f10,000 damage to the square and forced numerous tube stations to close. This year, authorities say they're cracking down. Organizers vowed to fight on, however, advertising their goal as being to double the number of celebrants and advising those attending to BYOB, since pubs may be reluctant to serve as the event goes on. Authorities may have had the last word, however, with the announcement that the circle line would be closed on Waitangi Day for "routine" maintenance.
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