KEY POINTS:
The Prime Minister is describing this morning's Waitangi Day commemorations as upbeat.
John Key says his manhandling by two men yesterday was completely out of sync with the mood amongst everyone else. He says there is a festival atmosphere, and people are coming in huge numbers.
Up to 70,000 are expected over the two days of the event.
Mr Key says National's relationship with the Maori Party is more pertinent and special on this occasion than almost any other. He says it takes courage to do things when you cannot be completely sure how they will work out, but you have to believe they can have great results.
With that in mind, the Prime Minister says he felt comfortable leading a prayer at Waitangi's dawn service this morning. Mr Key says he is not deeply religious, but was happy to have the opportunity to offer his thoughts.
Mr Key gave a prayer last Waitangi Day as the leader of the opposition, but says it is much more special being Prime Minister. He says he wanted to reflect on the characteristic of hope New Zealanders posses, and the belief we can be a batter nation.
- Newstalk ZB
