PM changes mind and stays on at Waitangi

UPDATE - Prime Minister Helen Clark appeared to flip-flop over whether to cut short her visit to Waitangi today.

At one point she was, according to aides, set to fly back to Auckland from Kerikeri without visiting the upper marae as planned. The deteriorating weather was blamed for the decision.

But it was then announced Helen Clark was continuing her visit.


She eventually left at noon for an engagement in Auckland.

The Prime Minister earlier hosted a breakfast but had no plans to visit Te Tii, the lower marae, despite yesterday's trouble-free day.

She did not attend when around 300 people gathered for the traditional church service at Waitangi's upper marae.

The service went off well, organisers said, with no trouble.

It is 165 years since tribal groups from around the country came together to sign the Treaty.

Former Prime Minister Jenny Shipley and National Party leader Don Brash are among those who joined in the service of prayer and song.

Members of the Destiny Church also attended.

- NEWSTALK ZB, HERALD STAFF