Our 'Staff Only Day' was a visit to Waitangi and Russell. This day provided us with an insight into our own cultural beginnings, and for many, where it all began. Our first stop was the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. This place is of huge significance in New Zealand history because it is the birth place where Maori chiefs first signed with the British Crown the Treaty known as Te Tiriti of Waitangi. What an amazing experience and insight into how the Treaty came about, and how it affects us all today.
We then caught the ferry to Russell and visited Pompallier Mission and Printery. Pompallier Mission is an historic building where the Catholic brothers translated religious books into Maori, then printed them, and bound them into beautiful books. It was built in 1842 and used as a working printery and tannery. Our tour guides took us through each step of the leather and book-making process.
Our final part of the day was sailing on the R. Tucker Thompson. The sailing ship was built from 1970 to 1985. The ship is 26 metres long and has a beam of 4.9 metres high. It can carry up to 47 passengers. The R. Tucker Thompson helps young people in sail training voyages. Whea Rose and myself had enough courage to climb the mast...wow, what a view! I even got to be the helmsman for a short time. My fastest speed was 4.5 knots.
We arrived back to Whangarei at 7.30pm. Special thanks to the school management team and the BOT for organising the day, and making us reflect and think deeper about 'Our Story, Our Culture.'
