1995: A Watershed Year

The months leading up to 6 February 1995 were marked by increasing tensions on treaty issues, even before the government released its long-awaited new proposals for the settlement of Treaty claims in December 1994. These brought a negative response from all levels of the Maori community and placed the events at Waitangi in jeopardy. Protest was expected, but its nature and extent caught many people off-guard.

Events on Te Tii marae led to the cancellation of the forum, and with protest flags hoisted on the treaty house grounds and public security uncertain, the formal ceremonies were cancelled. The images transmitted by the media conveyed powerful messages to the nation.Within days Prime Minister Jim Bolger used his annual state of the nation address to comment on race relations: 'What happened at Waitangi is not the universal face of Maoridom and must not be seen as such', he said. 'Equally, what happened at Waitangi means there can be no going back to commemorate and celebrate Waitangi as it was. That is over.' The public was invited to comment and propose alternatives, but in the end the government, like Labour in the 1980s, decided on a strategic repositioning of events.

Beyond 1995

From 1996 to 1998 the official ceremonies were held at Government House in Wellington, and a function at Waitangi had a limited government presence. In 1998 Prime Minister Jenny Shipley attended the dawn ceremony at Waitangi, before returning to Wellington for the official commemorations. In that year opposition leader Helen Clark was challenged about her right as a woman to speak on the Te Tii marae. Despite this incident there were few protests and no arrests, with the New Zealand Herald describing it as 'the most peaceful Waitangi Day in years'.In 1999 the Crown returned to Waitangi and both the Prime Minister and the Governor-General attended the official commemorations. The day was once more a largely peaceful affair, though some protesters labelled the programme a sham.

In 2000 the official ceremonies were again held at Waitangi, but the new Labour Prime Minister, Helen Clark, decided to attend a Waitangi Day function at Onuku marae, Akaroa. The Governor General, Sir Michael Hardie Boys, a group of MPs and Jenny Shipley, now leader of the Opposition were at Waitangi.

Aerobics group at Waitangi, 2000

The programme of events on the treaty house grounds aimed to make the day one of spiritual observance, ceremony, family fun and entertainment. It was generally successful. But an official welcome and forum at Te Tii marae did not run smoothly and there was an assault on the Waitangi flagpole in the early hours of 6 February. Most media reports focused on these aspects and gave brief coverage to the rest. Cabinet decided that in 2001 there would be no official representation there, but in the end two cabinet ministers were present. The Waitangi National Trust Board, responsible for the treaty house and grounds, organised events to mark the day including a church service. Although this was disrupted by 300 young people, the rest of the day passed peacefully with games and waka events. The Prime Minister attended functions in Auckland and Wellington; and the Deputy Prime Minister participated in a marae event in the Hutt Valley, joined by the Governor General who also had a function at Government House. The difficulties associated with events at Waitangi and at Te Tii marae over the years have raised questions about whether official commemorations should continue to be held at Waitangi. In 2002, however, the Crown returned to Waitangi with the Governor General, Dame Silvia Cartwright, the Attorney General, Chief Judge Sian Elias, and the Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Helen Clark.

Prime Minister, Helen Clark, with her escort Titewhai Harawira, 2002.

A large body of Government and Opposition members as well as other guests attended. Tensions were not absent from proceedings. Protestors disturbed the welcome at Te Tii and an early church service in the Whare Runanga on the treaty house grounds but events during the rest of the day were held in a celebratory atmosphere. Moves to commemorate Waitangi Day elsewhere in New Zealand have expanded. In 2001 and 2002 a number of functions and events were held, some of them assisted by funding which for some five years had been available through the Department of Internal Affairs. In 2001 responsibility for administering this fund was taken over by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage. The Commemorating Waitangi Day Fund supports activities that acknowledge the signing of the treaty. Applications for funding are assessed on the basis of criteria such as encouraging community participation and achievement, promoting a cultural experience and event, and providing participants with an opportunity to learn more about the treaty. The fund has supported dozens of events around the country, ranging from a commemoration of Lieutenant -Governor William Hobson's journey from the Bay of Islands to Mangungu, where the Hokianga signing of the treaty was held, to community tree planting, hangi and kapa haka performance on the West Coast. Events supported by the fund celebrate the positive aspects of Waitangi Day - the coming together of the peoples of New Zealand in a treaty partnership.

The Nga Puhi waka taua (war canoe) Ngatokimatawhaorua

While 6 February is recognised as New Zealand's national day, the long-standing tensions associated with the day are always likely to surface in one form of another. The date is an important marker in the country's history, however, and recognition of the treaty's significance as the foundation document of the nation will continue to encourage leaders, communities and individuals to mark the day in new ways.