Clark will not visit Waitangi marae

Prime Minister Helen Clark will not visit the marae when she attends the annual Waitangi events next month.

A spokeswoman said she would attend official functions at the Treaty grounds on the eve of Waitangi Day and the next morning. But she would not go to attend commemorations at the lower Te Tii Marae, which has been a focus for noisy protest in recent years.

Helen Clark's plans mirror her attendance at the Treaty grounds last year, where celebrations were trouble free.

National leader Don Brash is also expected to attend.

In 2004 Dr Brash was pelted with mud at the entrance of the lower marae, while some Labour ministers were caught in a melee that erupted when Helen Clark arrived.

She will attend a public festival in Manukau City on the afternoon of Waitangi Day, 6 February.

Both leaders will also make their annual pilgrimage to Ratana Pa near Wanganui next week to celebrate the birthday of Ratana Church founder Tahupotiki Wiremu Ratana.

Several Labour ministers are expected to attend the annual celebration in a bid to boost support among Maori.

Labour lost four of the seven Maori seats at last year's election.

- NZPA