Politicians welcomed to Waitangi with pōwhiri - Bridges first National leader to appear since 2015

February 5, 2019

Celebrations at Waitangi are underway, with politicians from across the spectrum welcomed to the treaty grounds today.

Politicians from both sides of the political spectrum have been welcomed onto the treaty grounds at Waitangi as celebrations begin.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was welcomed along with Opposition leader Simon Bridges - the latter being the first National Party leader to be welcomed since 2015.

They were welcomed with a powerful rendition of Te Rauparaha's Ka Mate haka.

Former Prime Minister John Key refused to attend Waitangi at Te Tii in 2016 after he did not receive a response from the marae to his concerns that he would be prevented from speaking about politics.

Members of Te Tii Marae welcome politicians on February 5 at the beginning of Waitangi celebrations.

Ms Ardern was escorted by Titiwhai Harawira, Dame Naida Glavish and Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson.

Winston Peters, Peeni Henare, Paula Bennett and other members of parliament are also in attendance.

Members of Te Tii Marae welcome politicians on February 5 at the beginning of Waitangi celebrations in 2019.

They were welcomed with a powerful rendition of Te Rauparaha's Ka Mate haka.

SHARE ME

More Stories