Ngati Whatua set to host Waitangi Day event for Prime Minister Bill English

Prime Minister Bill English and his delegation arriving at Ratana Pa, Ratana. English declined an invitation to attend an event on Waitangi Day at Te Tii Marae. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Prime Minister Bill English will be hosted by Auckland iwi Ngati Whatua Orakei at Bastion Point on Waitangi Day, February 6.

After a powhiri, at which English will speak, he will address a breakfast at Orakei Marae and then attend celebrations at Okahu Bay at the foot of Bastion Pt.

Later in the day he will also visit the Hoani Waititi Marae in West Auckland.

English declined an invitation to attend an event on Waitangi Day at Te Tii Marae near the Waitangi Treaty Grounds because the organising committee told him he would not be allowed to speak.

Ngati Whatua Orakei Trust chairman Phillip Davis said that Ngati Whatua Orakei was "embracing the opportunity to create an inclusive Waitangi Day community event where unity, partnership and the future of the nation is the focus; and where all that makes New Zealand unique is celebrated."

"We are honoured that the Prime Minister has chosen to join us to celebrate a truly significant day in New Zealand's calendar.

"Our people look forward to providing warm hospitality to the Prime Minister and our many other guests," Mr Davis said.

He said the Okahu Bay event would be focused on community, family, music, food, learning and fun.

English led the Government party on to Ratana Pa yesterday for annual celebrations and spoke for three or four minutes in Maori.

He is due to speak to an iwi leaders' meeting at Waitangi three days ahead of Waitangi Day but will not be there on the day.

Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett will represent the Government at the dawn service on the treaty grounds on Waitangi Day.