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JOINT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE STATE OF MAINE, THE UNITED STATES AND NEW ZEALAND AS EXEMPLIFIED BY THE MAINE HUTS AND TRAILS SYSTEM
WHEREAS, the Maori were New Zealand's first settlers, having made an epic journey from the legendary Hawaiki about 1,000 years ago. The great explorer Kupe, who legend says first discovered New Zealand, named the new land Aotearoa - Land of the Long White Cloud; and
WHEREAS,  the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand's founding document establishing the country as a nation, was signed on February 6, 1840, between leading Maori chiefs and representatives of the British Crown at Waitangi, in the Bay of Islands. The anniversary of the signing of this treaty has become New Zealand's national day, known as Waitangi Day; and
WHEREAS,  the United States is New Zealand's 2nd-largest trading partner after its neighbor Australia, and many of the products produced by New Zealand are used by Maine consumers and businesses; and
WHEREAS,  New Zealand and Maine both enjoy strong outdoor recreation industries; and
WHEREAS,  Maine Huts and Trails, a system of hiking trails and overnight cabins being developed from Bethel to Rockwood, was inspired in part by the Milford Track and similar trail systems in New Zealand; and
WHEREAS,  in recognition of this special relationship, the New Zealand Ambassador to the United States, the Right Honourable Mike Moore, attended a dedication ceremony for Maine Huts and Trails; and
WHEREAS,  citizens and officials from the State of Maine and the New Zealand Ambassador to the United States will celebrate the inauguration of President Barack Obama on January 20, 2013 at an event at the New Zealand Embassy; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: That We, the Members of the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Legislature now assembled in the First Regular Session, on behalf of the people we represent, recognize the strong relationship between the State of Maine, the United States and New Zealand as exemplified by Maine Huts and Trails and express our gratitude to the New Zealand Ambassador and the people of New Zealand for their hospitality and friendship.