National day and politics 'don't mix'

Pita Sharples at Te Tii Marae yesterday. Picture / Richard Robinson

The Maori Party has called for the removal of all political influence from Waitangi commemorations, despite it being credited as a key influence in this year's commemorations being peaceful so far.

Hundreds enjoyed cultural festivities and a hui on the grounds adjacent to Te Tii Marae yesterday.

There was only one banner, criticising the Government's handling of the foreshore and seabed, when politicians were welcomed on to the marae.

Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples said this would be the last time he attended the event as a representative of the Maori Party.

He blamed violence and protest that marred aspects of the celebration in the past on the attendance of politicians.

"This is a time to honour the Treaty, not for politicians to turn up and make a point. Next year I will come as Pita Sharples from Ngati Kahungunu, not as a member of the Maori Party."

He urged all politicians to attend the event only if they were sincere in honouring the Treaty.

"Waitangi commemorations should be free of political issues. Politicians should take off their political shirts at the gate and put on a shirt commemorating Waitangi Day."

However, his view is not supported by Te Tii kaumatua and spokesman Kingi Taurua, who welcomed politicians to the marae.

Mr Taurua said elders were disappointed that Prime Minister Helen Clark continued to snub their welcome and hoped that, given the absence of protests in the past couple of years, she would reconsider.

"The PM should look seriously at coming back to this marae."

He congratulated all of those who had attended the event for making it one of the most peaceful in years. He attributed this to the growth of the Maori Party.

"Many of those who used to protest at Waitangi have joined the Maori Party. They now believe they have a voice in Parliament for their concerns rather than having to confront politicians when they come here."

Mr Taurua also said the decision to welcome National leader Don Brash on to the marae on Saturday - a day before other politicians - was made at the instigation of the National Party.

Dr Brash used his low-key visit to announce his party's decision to extend its Treaty settlement deadline out from 2010. The new date has yet to be decided.

Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia said he was impressed by yesterday's calm, warm reception at the marae. "This has been very, very peaceful, with none of the hysteria we have had to deal with in the past."

However, Mr Horomia said it would take more than a year or two of trouble-free hui to ensure the Prime Minister was comfortable returning to Te Tii.

He also defended the non-attendance of other Maori MPs, many of whom he said were attending events in their constituencies.

Mr Horomia said he agreed with Dr Sharples in part that politics and protest had overshadowed the true purpose of the celebrations.

However, he defended the attendance of Labour MPs.

"We are always invited to attend, as Labour and as representatives of the Government. It is right that we attend."