12:00 PM
The Government has banned the Navy from participating in next year's Waitangi Day celebrations at Waitangi.
Prime Minister Helen Clark says it would not be appropriate for the Navy to attend, if the Government is staying away.
The Government announced last week that ministers would not attend Waitangi Day celebrations in Waitangi next year, but would instead go to events throughout the country, as the day was one to be marked by all communities.
Miss Clark says she hopes at some point the affairs of Ngapuhi can be sorted out so the Treaty can be celebrated at the place it was signed.
Navy spokesman Lieutenant Commander Bill Morley says the event at Waitangi marae has been one of the main ceremonial events for the Navy, which had planned to send the frigate Te Kaha.
The Navy has traditionally provided the guard at the Treaty grounds, and its absence next year will be the first time in decades that its personnel have not attended.
Lieutenant Commander Morley says the Navy was only informed of the Government's decision last night.
- IRN and HERALD ONLINE STAFF
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