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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.
| 'what
happened at Waitangi means there can be no going back to commemorate
and celebrate Waitangi as it was. That is over.' |
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.
Towards
2000
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 reduced to tears
after being 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 will again be held at Waitangi.
While 6 February continues
to be recognised as New Zealand's national day, the long-standing
tensions associated with the day remain unresolved. However, recognition
of the treaty's significance as the foundation document of the nation
encourages leaders and communities throughout the country to mark
the day in new ways.
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