Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon has celebrated Waitangi Day at Ōnuku marae in Akaroa today, along with Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro and other invited dignataries.
In an online post, the Prime Minister said Waitangi Day was a time to reflect on “where we have come from and look forward to what we can achieve together”.
“It has always been my intention to celebrate Waitangi Day around New Zealand. This year I am at Ōnuku marae near Akaroa,” he wrote.
“Akaroa is very dear to me – it was a place I used to tear around with my brothers during the long, hot Canterbury summers.
“My children learned to swim under the nor’west arch and I remember thinking then how very lucky we were to have the privilege of growing up in New Zealand.
“Ōnuku marae holds a special place in our nation’s history, as it is where Ngāi Tahu chiefs signed the Treaty in 1840.”
