Prime Minister John Key joined Firstline this morning from Waitangi Day celebrations, after speaking at what he said was a “peaceful, reflective” dawn service
Waitangi Day is a time to “reflect on the Treaty and its role in modern-day New Zealand”, Mr Key says.
“I think, now, we’re a multicultural society but built off a bi-cultural foundation.”
The Prime Minister also spoke about the ongoing debate about the Treaty Clause in the State-Owned Enterprises Act, and why his Government isn’t “overly antagonistic” towards the Maori Party.
“We don’t need [the Maori Party] to have stable Government, we’ve got those votes, but our preference is to be with the Maori Party and I think it adds to the overall governing relations in New Zealand.”
Speaking about yesterday's protests, Mr Key says it's "a bit sad that we couldn't use the forum to at least put our perspective - I'm not saying they would agree with it, but the Treaty itself is all about dialogue and engagement".
Watch the video for the full interview
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