Chief for a day

Sunday 13th March. Unfortunately, Brigid wasn't feeling up to a cooked breakfast today, so only toast and tea for her. I, on the other hand, had egg on toast, bacon, beans, sausage, hash brown and tomato, together with a flat white coffee. Our hosts said that they only provided what they like to get when they go away. 

We went to St Paul's Church this morning for a contemporary communion service. The music was provided by a couple who write their own worship songs. The man played guitar and ukulele and his partner the mandolin. Strangely enough, when talking to them afterwards, she lived in Westcliff in her younger days and went to Belfairs school. A small world. I must say, we certainly enjoy the format of the New Zealand prayer book. After the service we were all invited back to Alfresco Cafe for tea and coffee. There we met one of the Maori priests who had been instrumental in drawing up their prayer book. 

When we left the cafe we went to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to visit the museum and look round the grounds. As we arrived, a guided tour was about to start, so we went along. Our guide showed us the govenor's residence and the Maori meeting house (Te Whare Runanga). The meeting house normally faces east but this one has been built facing south looking toward the govenor's residence. That way they keep dialog open between the two nations. We also saw the world's largest ceremonial war canoe, Ngatokimatawhaorua. 

Following the tour there was a cultural performance at the meeting house. But first we had to be welcomed inside and the Maori residents had to discover if we were coming in peace or for war. The visitors had to nominate a chief to speak on their behalf and, guess who got selected. So, there I am facing four Maori warriors who are advancing and retreating, making stabbing motions with spears, sticking out their tongues, rolling their eyes and they're trying to find out if we're friendly! One of the warriors then lays a peace offering on the ground and I had to approach, pick it up and back away, all without falling over or looking scared! Got away with that OK and we were all invited inside. Don't know what would have happened if I'd got it wrong! The Maori spokesman then gave a speech of welcome and, as chief of the visitors, I was invited to reply! How did I get this job? After that a show of poi twirling, Maori weaponry, stick games, singing and a traditional haka. 

Of course, as chief, Brigid and I had front row seats. I'm not sure if she appreciated that or not! We also had the privilege of being first up for photos with the warriors and maidens. 

After that, off to the cafe for lunch. The only problem being that the kitchen had closed so we only managed tea and coffee. Luckily we had some energy bars in the car. 

We then drove up to the golf course for a 180 deg view of the bay. Spent the end of the afternoon sitting up there watching the boats sailing along, including a good old fashioned sailing sloop. Lovely. 

We then returned to town to Jimmy Jack's Rib Shack for supper. We had a starter, what we thought would be a small portion, of calamari - about 30 battered rings! But they were the best calamari we have ever had. 

Brigid sensibly had chicken while I had the ribs. 

They came with coleslaw, a crab dip and chips. Seven ribs in all but I could have had a double portion if I'd wanted! They also have a challenge on the menu that if you can eat a whole rib, chicken wings, wedges and chips in half an hour you get $20 off your next meal. Good luck with that!