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Prime Minister Helen Clark has countered claims from National Party leader John Key that she should "get over it" and return to Te Ti Marae at Waitangi.
Key said trouble in previous years is no excuse for Clark to stay away.
"Well I think she should get over it. I mean quite honestly, she's had some issues here but time has moved on. I think the whole focus of the events here is different - it's an opportunity for her to engage," Key said.
Clark told the Breakfast programme she has been going to Waitangi for 14 years and has seen it in every possible mood.
"I feel for myself that it's better in my role as Prime Minister to have a day which is dignified and I don't see much dignity in having to go in there with rows of police either side, people trying to hit you over the head, with one of my ministers having a finger bitten, as happened the last time we went there," she told Breakfast.
But Maori MP Hone Harawira has condemned Clark for not fully participating in events.
"She didn't bother to come to the powhiri at the marae, she
didn't bother to come to the leaders debate...she didn't even
bother to come to karakia (prayer)...and yet she's popping up on
television all around here like she's been involved in anything,"
Harawira told Breakfast.
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