Jan. 28

In the late 18th century, Captain Cook sailed into the bay where we are anchored. There are about 140 islands here and he cleverly named it The Bay of Islands. Last time we were here, we were anchored near Russell, an old whaling village…now a more upscale shopping and vacationing center. This year, we anchored near Waitangi, about a 20 minute ferry ride from Russell.

Waitangi’s claim to fame is being the site of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi by the British and Maori that preserved the rights of the Maori to indigenous lands, governance and rights. However, as with most Treaties, the rights conveyed are still being disputed with claims that the Maori and British versions were different and unclear. Recent legislative attempts to “clarify” has resulted in some Maori groups claiming that rights are being taken away. Walking the streets of New Zealand city-centers, we’d often come upon slogans and signs that say: “Honor the Treaty.”

Our excursion was a 3 1/2 hour bus ride around the island. Our driver/guide took us through great rolling hills geography. There were several small towns, lots of farms and animals and a gorgeous countryside. The pleasant 75* and partly cloudy skies made it more enjoyable. We walked around a park, seeing a Maori canoe and a waterfall.

A few thoughts:

   -This seems like a great place to live. But, it’s so far away from family and friends.

   -We drove miles without seeing any litter. The roads are remarkably clean.

   -The wildlife are interesting. Prior to the Maoris arrival, there were lots of flightless birds with no natural predators. Most didn’t survive the Maoris’ hunger.  Rats accompanied the white missionaries and settlers and now the flightless birds are gone. However, in 1837, possums were introduced to develop a fur trade. That effort wasn’t successful so it was tried again in 1858. That worked better. Possums reproduced without natural enemies and their population increased to an estimated 60-70 million….10 to 15 times the number of New Zealanders. That’s a lot of passels! Eradication efforts have reduced their number to an estimated 30 million. It would be great if the fur trade were to pick up. Who wouldn’t want a possum shawl….or possum pillow case?

   -At two of our stops, we saw a number of RV’s parked in a designated area…near public toilets. It’s legal and provides an opportunity for homeless people. Very comfortable looking spots. So, why not encourage something similar in Portland?  Last year, I read that  the Portland area governments spent  $531 million on homeless/houseless people…..about $71,000 per person. Next year it will probably be about the same. RV’s can cost $30,000 to 100’s of thousands. What about using the $531 million to buy RV’s (on the lower end of prices) for able bodied houseless people? Then give them an additional $10,000 for gas and other expenses….along with a map to Mar a Lago, where the climate is much more comfortable. Then the resources could be used for those who can’t or shouldn’t drive. Perhaps, we should hire New Zealanders to help run our programs. They might also help us with litter and graffiti.

In the afternoon, we took the ferry to Russell. Great fish and chips and beer. Afterwards, Karla went shopping and walked the beaches looking for shells and watching the beach combing birds. She made it back before departure time….although ship security called and asked if I knew where she was.  A good visit!