Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to attend Waitangi next week, Herald understands

Christopher Luxon will make an announcement in the coming days. Photo / Mark Mitchell

The Prime Minister is expected to visit Waitangi next week, the Herald understands.

It’s expected Christopher Luxon will provide a statement confirming his plans for next week, including Waitangi Day, in the coming days.

The Herald understands he has accepted an invitation to attend the Iwi Chairs Forum, which is held in the days leading up to Waitangi Day at Waitangi.

When asked about where he was expected to be for the country’s national day, Luxon has repeatedly said he would look to make an announcement at the appropriate time.

Last year, Luxon visited Ōnuku Marae near Akaroa, Canterbury.

In an opinion piece published by the Herald on February 6, 2025, Luxon said: “It has always been my intention to celebrate Waitangi Day around New Zealand.”

“Waitangi Day is the time to think about the New Zealand we want in 2040 – when the kids of today become adults, and we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Treaty.

“I want a New Zealand where those kids – Māori and non-Māori – see opportunity right here at home. And that means driving economic growth, and creating a culture of yes rather than no.

Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka said on Thursday he would visit Waitangi, alongside a number of ministers and MPs.

Asked whether New Zealanders should know by now where Luxon will be, Potaka responded: “That’s up to the Prime Minister’s Office.”

“I know where I’m going to be, and I hope you’ll be there too.”