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Waitangi Day celebrations begin in Aotearoa Newshub 5/02/2021 Waitangi Day Celebrations have begun in Waitangi.  Ngāpuhi are hosting the Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, leader of the Opposition Judith Collins and other prominent New Zealanders at Te Rau Aroha Marae.  Hundreds have gathered for the dawn service.  Jacinda Ardern will hold her annual breakfast on the Treaty Grounds.  Test your knowledge about the Treaty of Waitangi with our quiz. This livestream is now over   09:27am - Newshub politcal reporter Zane Small has been in Waitangi since Thursday, here is his wrap of this morn...

The Governor-General talked about what Waitangi means to her by reflecting on the words of Lord Cobham in 1962, who described the Treaty Grounds as "hallowed ground".  "It is one of the few places upon this earth where good sense once prevailed over passion and prejudice," he said. "It brought together two fine races who settled down together to achieve full nationhood for a young and undeveloped country, under the Queen's peace and law." Dame Patsy said: "We walk in the footsteps of people who signed a sacred pact in good faith." She also mentioned former Governor-General Lord Bledisloe, ...

Ardern, Collins and Davidson sat alongside each other during the ceremony - a scene which was recognised by Ngāpuhi elder Hone Sadler who suggested women could be the key to getting things done in politics.  "Perhaps you are the sacred trio," Sadler said in his address, despite Collins not being allowed to speak on the paepae, with her deputy leader Shane Reti - who is Māori - filling in for her and speaking out against the decision.  Dr Reti said National was "saddened" by Collins not being allowed to speak, and urged Ngāpuhi representatives to "not forget the power of women" ...

"The process of establishing a ward should be the same for both Māori and general wards."

The Government plans to make immediate changes that establish transitional measures for the 2022 local elections. The second stage will develop a permanent mechanism for local authorities to consider the establishment of Māori wards. "The current system has a different set of rules for establishing Māori and general wards and that uneven playing field needs to change," Mahuta said. "The process of establishing a ward should be the same for both Māori and general wards." She described the ability to veto Māori wards in local councils as racist.  Green Party Māori development ...