US President sends best wishes for Waitangi Day

President Barack Obama. Photo / AP

US President Barack Obama has sent a message to Kiwis ahead of this year's historic Waitangi Day.

In a statement US Secretary of State John Kerry acknowledged the 175th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.

"On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I would like to congratulate the people of New Zealand as you celebrate the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand's founding document," he said.

"The United States and New Zealand have strong bonds of friendship, based on our shared democratic and liberal values.

"We collaborate on a range of interests, from promoting open and transparent trade to protecting our shared oceans and global environment."

Mr Kerry said his meetings Prime Minister Key and Foreign Minister McCully had been "cordial and productive".

"Both our countries seek to fortify democracy and further the rule of law around the world," he said.

"The United States continues to value our warm relationship with New Zealand and hope to further strengthen our ties in the years ahead.

"We wish all Kiwis around the globe a happy Waitangi Day. "