PM set to attend Waitangi despite warning

By RUTH BERRY political reporter

Prime Minister Helen Clark plans to head to Waitangi next week, despite a warning that she might be wiser to avoid the event.

She has also been accused of bad manners for the way she handled her last-minute visit last year to the lower marae at Waitangi, Te Tii - although veteran activist Titewhai Harawira has praised her, saying the visit revealed she had grit.

Helen Clark, a regular visitor as Opposition leader, avoided Waitangi in 2000 and 2001, but has returned there for the past two years.

She has typically refused to disclose her plans until late in the day, but said yesterday: "I expect I will go up to Waitangi as I normally do."

Her office would not reveal details, but it is understood the visit is likely to be similar to last year's.

Helen Clark avoided the official 10am welcome for politicians at Te Tii on February 5, but dropped in unannounced late in the day after staff already on the ground had assessed the security risks.

She refused to attend the dawn ceremony the following day, where there has previously been trouble, but hosted a breakfast and attended a waka launch.

Waitangi Day organising committee chairman Pita Paraone, in charge of the February 6 events on the Treaty Grounds, said Helen Clark's plans were "pleasant news".

But Bruce Gregory, spokesman for Taumata Kaumatua o Ngapuhi Nui-Tonu (the council of Ngapuhi elders), said that while Helen Clark might feel obliged to appear, the widespread negativity towards the Government's foreshore plans meant it might not be a good idea.

An invitation to politicians to visit Te Tii had not yet been extended, Dr Gregory said.

Asked if Helen Clark was welcome, he said: "That's a mixed question. Some would say yes, some would say no.

"What I'm saying is if people are aggro about the foreshore business is it wise to turn up? My take on it is that you'd have to be pretty brave or else be wise and stay away, but it's not a decision I can make for her."

Dr Gregory, a former Labour MP, criticised Helen Clark's visit to Te Tii last year, saying it had been made clear politicians would be welcomed only in the morning.

"She tried to wheedle an invitation later in the day, which we had actually opposed. And then suddenly at 5 o'clock she arrives."

Her office staff had "manipulated" one kaumatua into issuing the late invitation.

"I felt it was by devious rather than by correct channels."

But Mrs Harawira, who has escorted Helen Clark at Waitangi for the last two years, said: "We need to focus on utilising the opportunities we have [to bring people together]."