Media Release

09 January 2006

Where's Waitangi In Treaty Roadshow?

New Zealand First is perplexed that neither Waitangi nor Waitangi Day are to feature significantly in the Treaty 2 U roadshow.

“The roadshow, aimed at demystifying and explaining the Treaty, is to begin in Taupo next Saturday, and will finish in Waitangi in May,” said Maori Affairs spokesperson Pita Paraone.

“It will be in Porirua on Waitangi Day, which to me is a wasted opportunity. The importance of Waitangi as the place where the Treaty was signed on 6 February 1840 could have been reflected in the launching of the roadshow from there on the day.

“Waitangi’s loss is Porirua’s gain, and I wish the venture every success, however I feel that a valuable symbolic and publicity opportunity has been lost here.

“The more information about the Treaty and our history that gets out there the better, but as with all initiatives such as this, marketing and capturing the attention of the public are crucial.

“I hope that the Treaty 2 U roadshow will succeed in its aims despite the neglect of what would have been, in my view, a golden opportunity,” said Mr Paraone.

ENDS

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