By Kim Choe
Waitangi Day has once again turned political, with the Government's proposal to get rid of a treaty clause from the State-Owned Enterprises Act dominating the morning's events.
The dawn ceremony began peacefully as John Key asked New Zealanders to work together for the benefit of all.
However his ability to work with the Maori Party is looking increasingly doubtful – his coalition partners said they wanted iwi to take the Government to court because its plans for asset sales are against the principles of the treaty.
Maori Party MP Te Ururoa Flavell says “the whole notion about selling those assets is inconsistent, and therefore it is appropriate that iwi take action to the court and test out law”.
Mana Party leader Hone Harawira, a long-time critic of the Maori Party’s close relationship with National, says the move is cowardly and the Maori Party should walk away from the Government
“You’re either opposed to it or you’re not opposed to it, and you’re in coalition with the Government… bloody walk out,” he told Firstline this morning.
“Don’t say ‘Oh, Maori people, will you please rush off to the consultation hui and oppose it, oh and iwi leaders, will you please take it to court while we skulk in our ministerial limousines?’”
The Prime Minister remains unconcerned at the possibility the Maori Party could walk away, saying he doesn’t need them – but he’d prefer them to stay.
“The important point to understand with the Maori Party is they don’t have to be part of the Government,” he says.
“But our preference is to be with the Maori Party and I think it adds to the overall governing relations in New Zealand.”
The debate will continue another day – meanwhile, for everyone else at Waitangi, today is still a holiday.
Hundreds have enjoyed waka displays at the beach and the food and craft stalls that have sprung up near the treaty grounds.
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