The PM and Waitangi Day

When the PM was Opposition Leader he said he would attend at Waitangi as , for as long as he was PM. He has kept his word and as far as know is the only Minister to have attended 100%.

I think it is very good for the PM to attend. It is a chance for dialogue and discussion. Shouting past each other is not a substitute for fronting up.

However there is some obligation on the hosts to be good hosts. By that I don't mean that Waitangi should be protest-free. That is not under their control, and protesters have of speech.

But what I do think is unacceptable is to keep the Prime Minister waiting for almost an hour, while you work out who accompanies him. It is rude, and inconsiderate. I doubt any other Head of Government would sit around for an hour while they have a silly squabble.

The fact that there are some strong personalities like involved, is no excuse. Waitangi Day is once a year. They could have raised this issue months ago to try and get an agreement. Trying to change things at the last minute was always going to end badly.

While I am sure the PM will keep his pledge to always attend, it would be wise for the hosts to consider what responsibilities they have. Having the PM there is a privilege – not a right.

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