HONOURING THE TREATY

The annual celebration of the Treaty of Waitangi is an event revered by those

who value our history. It is an occasion when, as with Anzac Day, the presence of the Governor-General is essential. Our leaders should also be present.

What should never have been allowed to happen was for any member of Parliament, or the media, to cheapen the occasion by indulging in politics. For Prime Minister

Bill English to boycott what should be an apolitical event, because rightly or wrongly he is not allowed to speak on Te Tii marae, looks like another cheap political shot typical of what we have come to expect and an affront to all true New Zealanders.

James Young (Takapuna, Auckland)

How curious to hear Bill English say New Zealanders “cringe” at the protocol and protests that surround Waitangi Day. Well, Prime Minister, I cringe at your suggestion.

And I sigh. Because if the Prime Minister dismisses the history, the meaning and the debate, why would anyone

else enter onto it?

Jo Holsted (Devonport, Auckland)