Editorial: Waitangi Day a test of Key's leadership

John Key arriving at Te Tii Marae in Paihia last February.

If John Key travels to Waitangi on Friday in his role as Prime Minister, then he is likely to strike trouble.

But he has a real dilemma, as to whether or not to front up.

Yesterday, depending on who you talked to, Key was "banned" from Te Tii Marae.

Te Tii is the lower marae at Waitangi and, according to Ngapuhi protocol, any visiting dignitaries must pass through it before heading on to the nearby Waitangi marae.

Mr Key was banned for his Government's part in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) - a trade agreement among 12 Pacific Rim countries that New Zealand is signing this week.

The TPP has conspiracy theorists in a lather, because of the secrecy surrounding its content.

The pro camp says its signatories will be able to access each others' key markets, reduce tariffs and find common ground on issues such as intellectual property rights.

However, the critics, and their numbers are growing, say the deal should not be negotiated in secret.

Signing the TPP just before Waitangi Day is not great timing, given the protest platform our national day can provide. Mr Key's dilemma? Show up and he risks the theatrical jostling and sideshow carry-on that is Waitangi Day at its frustratingly worst.

But, if he doesn't show up, he risks undermining his leadership. Exactly who is in charge, Mr Key or Ngapuhi? And on that note, just how is the Ngapuhi Treaty settlement progressing - going well, is it? Mr Key's banning is representative of Ngapuhi flexing its political torque, something it needs to consider the repercussions of.

The Prime Minister should front up, otherwise what sort of leader is he?