NZ authorities monitoring celebrations on national day

New Zealand is marking Waitangi day today, which marks the treaty between Māori and British colonialist forces.

Transcript

00:00 Here in Waitangi in New Zealand's Bay of Islands, senior Māori and religious leaders

00:07 have addressed a dawn ceremony and with the Prime Minister on stage urged the Government

00:12 to uphold and honour the Treaty of Waitangi.

00:16 Thousands gathered as the sun rose over the Treaty grounds coming from across New Zealand

00:21 to show strength while the Government debates the future of the Treaty.

00:26 Dr Alistair Rees delivered a powerful speech turning towards Prime Minister Christopher

00:31 Luxen and ACT Party Leader David Seymour as he reminded the crowd the Treaty is about

00:37 more than politics.

00:38 While the Treaty began as a love story, like all relational stories in real life, it was

00:45 not without its issues.

00:46 Hollywood does not get to write our script.

00:50 It was not long before the fruits of Waitangi began to wither.

00:55 New Zealand's founding document was signed here 184 years ago today and it's David Seymour's

01:01 Waitangi Principles Bill that has heightened tensions.

01:05 He is drafting a bill that seeks to hold a referendum on the Treaty's principles.

01:10 And today he stuck to that message as he addressed the crowd.

01:14 Let us pray for all New Zealanders, those who have more yesterdays than tomorrows and

01:22 those just starting out on life's journey.

01:25 His approach has been slammed by Māori and the show of strength here at Waitangi is to

01:30 urge the Government not to mess with the Treaty and to rethink some of its policy changes,

01:36 including moves to reduce the use of Māori language in the public service.

01:41 More protests and demonstrations are expected here today as a hikoi or march that has been

01:47 slowly moving south to Waitangi arrives at the Treaty grounds.

01:52 [BLANK_AUDIO]