SHOPPERS were confronted by bare chested warriors performing traditional Maori war dances as Dandenong Market celebrated Waitangi Day on Sunday 7 February.
Waitangi Day commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi on 6 February 1840 which made New Zealand a part of the British Empire, guaranteed Maori rights to their land and gave them rights as British subjects.
Maori cultural troop Te Hononga O Nga Iwi paid tribute to their ancestors with a suite of traditional songs and dances.
Other highlights were a traditional weaving workshop and free moko body art where stencils are used to create intricate designs with face paint.
One of Dandenong Market’s favourite new street food vans, NZ Street Food, served hangi, a traditional dish made with chicken, lamb, potato, pumpkin, sweet potato, cabbage, stuffing and fried bread.
Other delicious NZ delicacies included raw fish, mussel fritters, NZ kina, fried bread burgers, pulled pork with coleslaw and steamed pudding with custard.
