-
View Photos
-
Related
Nationhood and togetherness were the key messages at a dawn service at the Treaty Grounds to mark the beginning of Waitangi Day on Saturday.
About 500 people, including both Prime Minister John Key and Labour leader Phil Goff, attended the service at the Treaty Grounds meeting house to mark the 170th anniversary of Waitangi Day.
The service, mostly in pleasant conditions until a shower of rain hit at the break of dawn, followed a peaceful day of events at Te Tii Marae on Friday.
Key gave thanks to those who signed the Treaty of Waitangi 170 years ago.
"We thank them for their wisdom in that decision and in the bravery in taking that bold step," he said.
Speaking a few hours before a keynote address in which he will speak out against extremists on both sides of the race relations debate, Key also gave thanks to those who signed legislation 35 years ago which led to the Treaty of Waitangi claims process.
He said this was the time "when we started to recognise that our country could be a place of great harmony where we could live together with a recognition and maturity of one another".
"Our challenges will be like so many other nations, but we know that our people can rise to that challenge. We know that our country can be even stronger."
Goff expressed similar sentiments, giving thanks to those who helped found a nation "where largely we live together in harmony and mutual respect and tolerance".
Chief Justice Dame Sian Elias spoke in support of the man who helped produce the 1975 treaty legislation, then Maori Affairs Minister Matiu Rata, as well as former Maori leader Sir James Henare.
She said that their efforts set New Zealand on a path which could produce justice for all.
Also present at the service was Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples, Ngapuhi elders, armed forces representatives and the diplomatic corps, who attended for the first time in 15 years.
Later this morning there will be a service marking 70 years since the building of the waka Ngatokimatawhaorua.
Yesterday, Key addressed several issues relating to Maori when he spoke at Te Tii Marae.
He said he hoped the Foreshore and Seabed Act could be repealed this year, but warned that a solution was needed which most New Zealanders could support.
Key also said he wanted to improve Maori education standards so young Maori could have better job prospects.
Do you have any images from Waitangi Day commemorations? Send them to tvnz.co.nz at interactivenews@tvnz.co.nz
How do you spend your Waitangi Day? What does our National Day mean to you? Share in the conversation on our Message Board below.
Add a Comment:
Post new comment-
ahastings said on 2010-02-08 @ 09:53 NZDT: Report abusive post
What a discusting act by that republican man, and that is why he is a republican because he has no morals or standards by burning the flag and dressing up like an idiot. this man should be arrested and held accountable for burning a flag that means alot to me and all New Zealanders especially those who have fought under our flag
-
pridepassionpower said on 2010-02-08 @ 00:42 NZDT: Report abusive post
I care about the NZ flag being burnt, it really hurts me to see that, how about I burn yours in your face? I just wonder that if I carry on like an idiot and burn flags and become lazy that maybe I might get attention from the govt as well? Just a thought. BRING ON NZ DAY! ONE NATION!
-
ilightenall said on 2010-02-07 @ 06:45 NZDT: Report abusive post
I'm still buzzing from the Waitangi day celebration held here in Perth. Thousands attended for a day of unity and sharing in our unique Kiwi culture. Kiwi Hot Dogs, whitebait fritters, hangi, L&p with homegrown music and craft stalls, Maori and Pakeha simply celebrating being Kiwi.
-
santa0007 said on 2010-02-07 @ 04:09 NZDT: Report abusive post
The Littlewood Treaty original version gives me my right to claim "my" land back & restore what has been taken from me without my prior say-so. Who do I gotta fight first & can i bring my Mum.
-
santa0007 said on 2010-02-07 @ 03:27 NZDT: Report abusive post
Foreshore & seabed issue, ultimately the country is governed by a govt,part of that is protection from invasion by anything, given the ownership goes to a non-govt entity,where are the rights if any of our constitution. As it stands now,if you have a problem with your employer & your Moari & want to take them to court,it can be done through treaty claims,according to legal services agency.Does this really mean seperatism or the justifiable return of life by an inheritad old fashioned system.
Add a Comment:
Post new commentcarolyn0104 said on 2010-02-06 @ 16:46 NZDT: Report abusive post
What does Waitangi Day mean to me? Conflict, arguments, matters unresolved, shame for being Pakeha.