Blogiversary, Waitangi Day and Prayers

Yesterday (5 February) this blog celebrated it's first blogiversary.  It's amazing to think it has been a year since I started writing here!  

Today is also Waitangi Day here.  A public holiday - yay!  it is our national day.  A day where we commemorate the signing of the Treaty Of Waitangi.  Below is a little information on the Treaty for those of you who are interested in learning a little more.

The Treaty of Waitangi is New Zealand’s founding document. It takes its name from the place in the Bay of Islands where it was first signed, on 6 February 1840. This day is now a public holiday in New Zealand. The Treaty is an agreement, in Māori and English, that was made between the British Crown and about 540 Māori rangatira (chiefs).

Growing numbers of British migrants arrived in New Zealand in the late 1830s, and there were plans for extensive settlement. Around this time there were large-scale land transactions with Māori, unruly behaviour by some settlers and signs that the French were interested in annexing New Zealand. The British government was initially unwilling to act, but it eventually realised that annexing the country could protect Māori, regulate British subjects and secure commercial interests.

Lieutenant-Governor William Hobson had the task of securing British sovereignty over New Zealand. He relied on the advice and support of, among others, James Busby, the British Resident in New Zealand. The Treaty was prepared in just a few days. Missionary Henry Williams and his son Edward translated the English draft into Māori overnight on 4 February. About 500 Māori debated the document for a day and a night before it was signed on 6 February.

Signing the Treaty

Hobson and others stressed the Treaty’s benefits while playing down the effects of British sovereignty on rangatiratanga (chiefly authority). Reassured that their status  would be strengthened, many chiefs supported the agreement. About 40 chiefs, starting with Hōne Heke, signed the Māori version of the Treaty on 6 February. By September, another 500 had signed the copies of the document that were sent around the country. Some signed while remaining uncertain; others refused or had no chance to sign. Almost all signed the Māori text. The Colonial Office in England later declared that the Treaty applied to Māori tribes whose chiefs had not signed. British sovereignty over the country was proclaimed on 21 May 1840.

The Treaty is a broad statement of principles on which the British and Māori made a political compact to found a nation state and build a government in New Zealand. The document has three articles. In the English version, Māori cede the sovereignty of New Zealand to Britain; Māori give the Crown an exclusive right to buy lands they wish to sell, and, in return, are guaranteed full rights of ownership of their lands, forests, fisheries and other possessions; and Māori are given the rights and privileges of British subjects.

Now, getting back to my original topic.  I find it hard to believe I started this blog a year ago now - Wow!  We introduced domestic discipline into our relationship in October 2012. A little over a year ago.  I plan to post separately on how we got started and how we have progressed to where we are now.

I had been a serial lurker on blogs for quite some time before I took the plunge to start my own and start commenting on other blogs.  It never ceases to amaze me the level of support, comfort, encouragement and advice everyone here has extended to Rick and myself and continue to do so.  I am truly grateful to you all.

We pour out our hearts and souls on these pages.  Our worries and fears and also share in our achievements, excitement and the good things in our lives.  I share far more here than I ever do with real life friends.

The friendships developed here go beyond others simply understanding this lifestyle we have chosen and the knowledge that we are not alone.  In some ways, I feel I know a lot more about all of you then I do about some of my real life friends and family.  I feel a deep connection to my blog friends.

This community has so much to offer and I gain so much from being a part of it.  I am grateful that I have a husband who understands this, and my need to connect with other people who 'get it'.  I am grateful that he fully encourages my participation.  We all know this lifestyle is not always an easy one.

Being a part of this community and starting this blog has benefited us both hugely.  This blog has become a tool for us in our relationship.  By me writing my thoughts and feelings and sharing what we do, it provides a mechanism for us to gain a better understanding and perspective.  Certainly, at times for Rick to understand my thoughts and feelings and how certain things have affected me.  It has enabled us to make some positive changes in our relationship.  The wonderful advice and support we have found here helps us in this process more than I can say.

At the moment I know some of you are facing great challenges.  Some of you are facing challenges with health issues and others are facing a range of different challenges.  It truly saddens me and I want you to know Rick and I extend our arms to you in support and encouragement.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Thank you all so much for your friendship.  I am looking forward to seeing what the next year holds in store for us.