Christopher Luxon will not attend Waitangi Day commemorations in the Te Tai Tokerau town next year.
RNZ is reporting the Prime Minister won’t attend talks with the Iwi Chairs Forum on February 4th, nor the annual politics wānanga on the 5th.
However, Luxon’s office said he met with Iwi Leaders in Wellington earlier today.
It’s understood other senior government representatives will attend, including David Seymour, who is set to assume the role of deputy prime minister in May 2025.
It follows a call from Eru Kapa-Kingi and Ngāhuia Harawira this morning for no government representatives to attend the Treaty Grounds for next year’s commemorations.
Speaking in their capacity as representatives of the Waitangi Forum, the pair said there’s "absolutely no desire to welcome this anti-Māori government to our kaupapa, especially in the wake of its attempts to cancel Te Tiriti.”
They explained that during the hikoi, they specifically asked people - descendants of both He Whakaputanga and Te Tiriti - whether they wanted a government presence at Waitangi.
In a statement to media this afternoon, the Prime Minister said “It has always been my intention to celebrate Waitangi Day around the country with different iwi,” says Mr Luxon.
“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.”
This is a developing story - more to come.
