Haka and Art

The whole of New Zealand lies on a major fault line on  the Pacific plate, which makes it prone to earthquakes and other volcanic activity. The west coast of North Island suffered a major quake in 1931, which wiped out much of Wellington, Hastings and Napier. In the case of Napier the quake was followed by a major fire, which left the town destroyed.
Both of the latter were largely rebuilt in the style of the period, in the case of Hastings, Art Deco and Spanish Mission, and for Napier, mostly Art Deco.



Using reinforced concrete, the architects ensured that any repeat of the earthquakes would be less likely to result in the devastation that occurred earlier.
Both cities have been extremely well maintained since then, the town centres are a delight to the eye.
In the case of Hastings, most buildings were adorned with flower boxes and baskets throughout the CBD.

 We visited Napier on Waitango day, New Zealand's national day, the anniversary of the signing of an agreement between the Maori and the British, when the population here dress up and re-enact the signing in the places that it originally took place. One such was near the coast here, in an estuary, which we witnessed.
The Navy came ashore followed by the chiefs in their canoe, and a ceremony took place which included the Haka, which is always impressive.

Later the document signing took place, firstly by the dignitaries, then everyone present had the opportunity to sign. We gave that a miss as foreigners!