Auckland marae to host PM
Prime Minister Bill English will attend Waitangi Day celebrations at Orakei Marae in Auckland after deciding to bypass the treaty grounds.
Ngati Whatua Orakei have announced they will host English at a breakfast, followed by a public event in Okahu Bay ‘‘focused on community, family, music, food, learning and fun’’.
Ngati Whatua Orakei Trust chairman Phillip Davis said the trust members were ‘‘honoured’’ by English’s decision to join them for celebrations.
‘‘Our people look forward to providing warm hospitality to the prime minister and our many other guests.’’
English will also attend a Waitangi Day concert at West Auckland’s Hoani Waititi Marae, including performances from Katchafire and Aaradhna.
He announced in early January that he would not attend the annual Waitangi Day commemoration at Te Tii Marae, after he was told by marae officials that he would not be allowed to speak at the powhiri on February 5.
He defended his decision, saying he did not have to attend if the arrangements were not ‘‘respectful for New Zealand and New Zealanders’’.
‘‘A lot of New Zealanders cringe a bit on Waitangi Day when they see the way that the ceremonies are being conducted, the ceremonies and welcomes, the type of protest there has been in recent years, and I’m pretty keen that we have a day when they’re proud,’’ English said.
English’s predecessor, John Key, also bypassed Te Tii Marae last year over a decision to deny him speaking rights. However, English is visiting Waitangi earlier in February to meet with iwi leaders. – Fairfax NZ