Posted on January 21, 2019
January 22, 1840 - British settlers landed on the southern tip of what is now called North Island, New Zealand. Apparently the people already living there, the Maori, agitated for and got a treaty that guaranteed rights, and then accepted British settlement peacefully.
(But I bet you can guess that the treaty was broken, many incidents of Maori being treated badly occurred, and only in recent times have Maori won compensation for some of the land theft and other problems.)
Back to Wellington...
Why was the first planned settlement for British immigrants to New Zealand located at that particular spot?
The advance ship from the New Zealand Company decided that this spot, located near the geographic center of the two main islands, would be perfect for trade. Indeed, it was so perfect that this settlement, which was eventually called Wellington, ended up becoming the nation's capital.
(The original capital, Auckland, is still the largest city in New Zealand. It's farther north than Wellington.)
So...if that famous landing, and therefore the founding of Wellington, occurred on January 22, why are we celebrating it on January 21? Actually, "Kiwis" (New Zealanders) celebrate Wellington Anniversary Day on the Monday closest to January 22. This year: January 21.
Customs surrounding Wellington Anniversary Day include the Birdman Competition, during which contestants dress up as birds or wear or carry homemade "wings" - and take turns "flying" off of the wharf into the harbor! Points are awarded for distance from the wharf and for costume.
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| I guess that some costumes just aren't birdlike or winged...And I bet this guy didn't get that far! |
By the way, Wellington is called "Windy Wellington," and it is considered to be the windiest city in the world. So it seems possible that some of those wings catch some air and keep the contestant aloft for a few additional crucial seconds...Gliding more than flying - but still cool.
I want to go...!
I've always wanted to see New Zealand. Not so much because of Wellington (although I'm sure it's a pleasant city, if you don't mind wind lol), but because of the dramatic landscapes:
(Third Sunday in January)
(Third Monday of January)
Plan ahead:
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