Monday, 7 February 2005
Dunne to press ahead with NZ Day Bill
United Future leader, Peter Dunne, will press ahead with his Member's Bill soon to be debated by Parliament that seeks
to rename Waitangi Day as New Zealand Day and to Mondayise it.
"I note there are now claims that 'peace has broken out' at Waitangi and that the Maori Party is claiming credit for
this remarkable change of attitude," said Mr Dunne.
"Setting aside the irony of celebrating the outbreak of 'peace' on our national day, I doubt that mainstream New
Zealand will be reassured to hear that a lack of violence on Waitangi Day relies on the efforts of Tariana Turia, the
Harawira family and the shotgun-toting Tame Iti.
"New Zealand's national day cannot depend on the occasional goodwill of activists and separatists." Mr Dunne's Bill is
expect to come before Parliament in early March.
ENDS