Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has confirmed he won’t attend next year’s Waitangi Day event at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, but will instead travel to another part of New Zealand for the annual commemoration.
“It has always been my intention to celebrate Waitangi Day around the country with different iwi,” Mr Luxon said today.
“I have been in Waitangi the last two years, including in my first year as Prime Minister, so next year I have decided to head to another part of the country.
“Waitangi Day is of national importance, and I am keen to join New Zealanders celebrating it in other regions.”
“I have spoken to Waitangi National Trust chair Pita Tipene and wished them all the best for their event in Waitangi.”
Mr Luxon confirmed he will also not attend the National Iwi Chairs Forum in Waitangi on February 4, but met with Iwi Leaders in Wellington earlier today.
“It was a very positive and productive discussion. There are a number of areas where the Government and Māori are already working together, for example in health, housing, infrastructure and climate adaptation.”
“There is a lot of great work being done by iwi throughout the country and there are many opportunities for us to work together and do so much more.”
Details of where the Prime Minister will spend Waitangi Day will be announced closer to 6 February.
