PM plane forced to turn in bad weather

A flight carrying Prime Minister Chris Hipkins was forced to return to Auckland due to low cloud and bad weather in Kerikeri.

The weather could also cause issues for an important hui between ministers and iwi leaders, which was set down for today.

Iwi leaders from across Aotearoa were also on the flight along with Police Minister Stuart Nash, and a group of Stuff reporters.

The plane attempted to land in Kerikeri twice, but had to abort both landings due to visibility. The flight then returned to Auckland.

While Hipkins and Nash had to make alternative travel plans, some MPs – including Kelvin Davis – were already in Waitangi. Some of the iwi chairs were able to find rentals, while Stuff’s reporters got on a bus. Hipkins also planned to drive north.

Iwi leaders are travelling to Waitangi for the Iwi Chairs Forum.

The forum is highly influential, including elected chair people from iwi across the country. It tends to focus on issues such as the environment, welfare, Māori business and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Although there was road access to the Far North, slips along State Highway 1 were causing delays for those travelling to Waitangi ahead of the weekend.

Nevertheless, Ngāpuhi, the mana whenua of Waitangi, is continuing its preparations to host the nation.

A massive celebration is planned for Monday. This Waitangi Day comes with extra significance, marking the first time in years that manuhiri from across Aotearoa and the world will be welcomed to Waitangi.

Yesterday, Māori-Crown Relations Minister Kelvin Davis attended a memorial service to mark the Battle of Ohaeawai of June 1845.