Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, flanked by Act leader David Seymour (left) and New Zealand First leader Winston Peters (right), being welcomed on to the Treaty Grounds at Waitangi in 2024. Photo / Getty Images
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, flanked by Act leader David Seymour (left) and New Zealand First leader Winston Peters (right), being welcomed on to the Treaty Grounds at Waitangi in 2024. Photo / Getty Images
THE FACTS
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is emphasising unity in the lead-up to Waitangi Day, reflecting on Treaty settlements and a future with more opportunity and prosperity.
Luxon has praised the community response to the recent North Island weather events, highlighting rescue efforts and support from volunteers and marae.
Luxon is emphasising unity in the lead-up to Waitangi Day, reflecting on Treaty settlements and a future with more opportunity and prosperity.
The lead-up to Waitangi Day this year has been challenging.
It has been a very tough start to the year for many people who have been impacted by the recent weather events across the North Island – with families losing loved ones at Mount Maunganui, Welcome Bay andWarkworth.
I’ve spent a lot of time in the last few weeks visiting affected communities – and it is in these times of challenge you also see New Zealand at its very best.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon (second from right) meets Mōkau locals Vania Haika (from left), Tai Iorangi and Simon Mitchell from Ngātiwai. Photo / Denise Piper
In every place I’ve visited, I’ve met Kiwis who just get stuck in – assisting with rescue efforts, cooking food and providing a roof for strangers, or just being a shoulder of support in times of need.
Whether it is emergency responders, local sports clubs, volunteers or marae, I’ve been incredibly proud of all the people I’ve met – and the care and manaakitanga (hospitality, support) shown.
It speaks so highly of us as a country that we come together at times like this. It’s also relevant on Waitangi Day, as we think about how we have grappled with other challenging issues.
Countries around the world have battled, and still battle, with their sense of identity – and New Zealand is no different.
In an environment where difference so often leads to violence – as we’ve seen recently in the horrific Bondi attack – New Zealanders have decades of experience working through our differences with words and debate.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon chats to people who gathered for a sunset vigil at Mount Maunganui. Photo / Adam Pearse
We should take immense pride in that, particularly today.
Since I first became leader of the National Party, I have made it a priority to spend time with iwi leaders around the country, listening and discussing how we can work together.
While we don’t always agree on everything, we can always find common ground.
National Prime Ministers who preceded me were responsible for concluding the majority of all Treaty settlements – and we will continue that work. These settlements are critical for the future of iwi, communities and New Zealand as a whole.
I want a country where differences are welcomed.
Waitangi Day is also a time to reflect on the future we want for our country.
I want a country where differences are welcomed and unity is lived every day, not only remembered when tragedy strikes.
A country where every Kiwi kid, regardless of their background, grows up seeing huge opportunities right here at home – with schools teaching the basics brilliantly, a growing economy creating jobs and lifting incomes.
A country where if you work hard and save hard, you can get ahead.
A country with more hope, more opportunity, more ambition and ultimately greater prosperity. This is the country I want for my grandchildren and their children.
There is plenty of work to do to get there, but today on Waitangi Day, we should celebrate the steps we have taken together as a country in working to achieve it.
