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Wellington, February 5, 2018
National Party Leader Bill English will celebrate Waitangi Day this year by attending the Ngai Tahu Treaty Festival at Te Rau Aroha Marae in Bluff.
Following is a Statement issued by him today:
I am looking forward to another opportunity to attend Waitangi Day events in other parts of the country, this year in Bluff, to share the celebration of our national day around New Zealand.
Positive this year
Waitangi Day is a hugely significant day for New Zealanders and should be a day of celebration, unity and reflection for all.
I am pleased it has been a positive day in Waitangi this year following changes to the official programme, including holding the welcome at the Upper Marae, and that the unnecessary controversies which have overshadowed celebrations in previous years were not present.
The National Party was represented in Waitangi by a number of MPs who thoroughly enjoyed the events day and we welcome the positive progress and hope it is maintained.
Cultural Mapping
This year, I will be attending Ngai Tahu’s celebrations in Bluff with a number of National MPs. In addition to the powhiri and Waitangi Day address, there will a screening of the re-released ‘Ata Whenua,’ film and a presentation on the Ngai Tahu Cultural Mapping project.
I am looking forward to spending the day there, for what I am sure will also be a positive celebration of New Zealand which I’m sure will be reflected at events right around the country.
Bill English is Leader of National Party of New Zealand and Opposition Leader in Parliament.
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