By VERNON SMALL deputy political editor
The Prime Minister has finally unveiled her plans for a low-key Waitangi Day, attending family and multicultural celebrations in Wellington and Auckland.
In a brief statement yesterday, Helen Clark said she would be present for part of the day at waterfront events organised by the Wellington City Council and the Wellington Tenths Trust. She would also visit the Manukau City celebration, Toi Manukau, described by organisers as "a family day of musical entertainment, cultural exchange, food, dancing and renewing friendships, together with information-sharing on the Treaty of Waitangi."
Helen Clark is expected to spend two hours at Manukau in the afternoon, but not to be part of the morning opening ceremony and powhiri.
On Thursday, her office had first hinted she would go to Manukau and then denied it after consulting organisers there.
In her statement, Helen Clark urged the public to attend local events and make the day "a positive occasion for all New Zealanders."
Earlier this week, Te Arawa elders cancelled a planned millennium festival in Rotorua and withdrew an invitation to Helen Clark and others, including Sir Edmund Hillary, after sub-tribes objected.
Meanwhile, a Ratana elder, Haare Mason, has issued a statement throwing the movement's support behind the Government's policies.
The statement seems designed to counter what Ratana and Government ministers see as the media's undue focus on criticisms by Ratana elder Tumanako Wereta.
"The fact that a significant gap exists between Maori and non-Maori educational achievement, health status, employment and housing is unacceptable," Mr Mason said.
"Ratana will work energetically with the Prime Minister and her Government in supporting the policies, which we are confident can bring about a change of status.
"I will be playing an active role among our people to support the opportunities the policies present to us, including greater control of our own destiny, better access to education, realistic health programmes ... and employment opportunities."
The strain of Jim's bank
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
Latest from New Zealand
Armed police, bomb squad find 'item of concern' at Christchurch property
Neighbour says he was evacuated from his home after "device" was found.