Celebrations continue at Waitangi

Email
Print

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 5:24a.m.

Celebrations have begun

Celebrations have begun

Waitangi Day celebrations are starting in the Bay of Islands town of Paihia with a dawn service at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds attended by Prime Minister John Key.

Firstline is at the Waitangi Day celebrations - watch the video for more

Mr Key can expect a calmer day today after having to cut his visit to Te Tii Marae short yesterday when protesters rushed at him.

Mr Key said he did not feel threatened and planned to return to Waitangi.

Among the protesters was Wi Popata, who went on to call Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples and other MPs "niggas" at yesterday’s celebrations.

Traditionally, protesters make their appearance on February 5 at the marae rather than on the official holiday.

Following the hillside dawn service, the Royal New Zealand Navy will put on a display including a band performance and gun salute.

The day will end with a sunset ceremony at the treaty grounds.

Signed in 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi is New Zealand's founding document which established British law while at the same time guaranteeing Maori authority over their land and culture.

NZN

Become a fan of 3 News on Facebook and on Twitter.

Post a Comment

Before commenting, please take the time to read our moderation guide


(Won't be published)



Comments

06 Feb 2012 12:22p.m.

Marty wrote:

Time and time again protest action has got nowhere and ruined the opportunity to democratically debate important issues. Usually ill informed shouting chants with the other sheep without thinking or studying what happened in history and the issues around the treaty. Who signed it? Who did not? What is the Maori interpretation? What is the English interpretation? What are the agreed points of each interpretation? What tribes did not sign it or take part in it? What is the relevance in todays contemporary world? Is it way past its use by date? While it will never be agreed upon the Chinese corporations, paid for by the Chinese Government, will be buying it from under your feet while you are wasting time squabbling over it. China decided from the 60s it is better and cheaper to immigrate and buy into other countries than to start a war. NZ is fantastic to establish in the Pacific as we are too busy farting around squabbling with easy other, and have no backbone when it comes to immigration into our country by all ethnic groups. That include nutters from Germany!

06 Feb 2012 06:21a.m.

Fellowes wrote:

Like it or not, the right to protest is an inherent part of being a democracy. Do you want us to become like China, where people are not allowed to protest? It was a bit rich of Winston Peters to say the protests were a 'disgrace'. He stood for parliament saying he would fight for the right of New Zealanders to retain their land and yet he has been strangely quiet over the Crafar farm sale. When polled, 97% of New Zealanders were against the sale and yet their voices have been ignored. It's no wonder people are feeling frustrated and angry, to have their views trampled on like that.