Clark justifies her marae no-show

Prime Minister Helen Clark has defended a decision to again snub a welcome at Waitangi's Te Tii Marae, playing down the marae's significance at the annual commemorations.

She said the celebration of the signing of the Treaty was not exclusive to Waitangi. Events were held throughout the country.

Waitangi would always have a special significance, particularly around the Treaty House and the grounds, because of what happened there in 1840.

"But all over New Zealand people are reclaiming the day, and they are saying, 'We would like to do something with it'. There are amazing community events going on from Bluff to the Far North."

For a second year, Helen Clark avoided Waitangi's lower marae, the scene of intense protest in recent years, and instead headed to the Copthorne Hotel for the Governor-General's Waitangi reception.

She did not join Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia, who with Maori Party and Green MPs was treated to a peaceful welcome at the marae in the morning.

Speaking from her hotel after a late afternoon arrival, Helen Clark said the absence of protesters would not persuade her to change her schedule.