Minister of Maori Affairs keenly anticipates Waitangi Day

Maori Affairs Minister Dr Pita Sharples says this year’s Waitangi Day celebrations will demonstrate how Maori people are feeling about their importance to the incoming government.

“Everywhere I have been around the country, since I became Minister of Maori Affairs, people have been very excited about the role they see Maori people playing in the nation over the next few years,” said Dr Sharples.

“They have welcomed the agreement between the Maori Party and the National Party, and the government’s commitments to addressing key issues, including the status of the Treaty of Waitangi, and protection of the foreshore and seabed,” he said.

“I am really very hopeful that we will see this new openness and excitement among the people at Waitangi. It is a gathering of iwi of national significance, and a meeting with the leadership of the Crown, including the Governor-General, the Executive Government, the judiciary and the armed forces.

“This is the day we celebrate the partnership that founded our nation, and we make known to each other how we think the relationship is going. Right now, I think it’s looking good,” he said.

“It is a positive sign that the Prime Minister has accepted the invitation of Ngapuhi Nui Tonu to visit the marae at Te Tii. I am sure people will want to see the new government, and to get to know them ‘face to face’,” said Dr Sharples.

"A major highlight this year is the visit of Kingi Tuheitia and Tainui. They will be there in force, bringing eight waka taua to join a fleet of around 20 at Waitangi, along with ope from all over the contry. It's a huge event, and I'm sure our hosts at Waitangi will have everything laid on for a very special occasion.

“I know iwi leaders have set down some major issues for debate among themselves, and I look forward to the government being briefed on their views.

“Right now, the country faces an economic crisis, and Maori are determined to play a full part in avoiding a disaster. No doubt that will also be discussed at Waitangi, with the Prime Minister’s Jobs Summit coming up later in the month.

“The real test of the relationship is our progress towards recognition of the Treaty. That may be expressed in political debates and protests, and also in the number of families who want to celebrate by turning up at Waitangi with their picnics, to sit under the treees, swim with the kids, tour the market stalls, and visit the historic houses that commemorate the birth of our nation,” said Dr Sharples.