He was well received by the hundreds present at King Tu Heitia's 10th coronation anniversary celebrations. His mana, representing the Government, was recognised and he spoke alongside visiting tribal leaders on that occasion.
It doesn't only happen at Waitangi in the Bay of Islands on February 6 each year. Celebrations are held all around the country.
I often wish the prime minister would accept invitations from small communities, and not just Maori communities either, to attend their local Waitangi Day celebrations.
Many put months of planning and preparation into staging events on the day that bring communities together to celebrate in their own unique way. I'm sure they would extend a warm welcome to the prime minister.
Over the years not too much has changed at Waitangi. I have never found the celebrations anything to write home about. I wonder why the prime minister, members of parliament and other dignitaries can be bothered attending?
You still get protesters but their numbers seem to have declined and they are no longer as vocal as they used to be. The atmosphere is not particularly welcoming to Pakeha in my view.
I only go to Te Tii the lower marae. That's where I prefer to spend my time. Te Tii, in the meeting house, provides a forum for speakers to raise issues of significant importance for Maori and for New Zealand.
The speakers are impassioned and articulate. They speak both in English and te reo. Mostly high level thinkers presenting issues for debate and analysis. You don't see this level of discussion and rigorous debate anywhere else in the country. Forget treasury advisers.
They pale into insignificance against bilingual Maori strategic, futurist thinkers. They think long term. They have to. They are going nowhere.
Their lands must be retained and developed, water use and ownership protected and Treaty settlements concluded. They pull shonky government legislation apart. Unplanned immigration and its impacts, regional economies left to sink or swim and trade deals that won't benefit New Zealand.
These and many more topics are raised for discussion and dissected. To sit and listen to the speakers is worth the trip to Waitangi for me.
We all know Waitangi is the home of the Treaty. Where it was first signed and then taken around the country for signing by other iwi. And not all iwi signed.
Nevertheless the Treaty of Waitangi became the document that laid out the welcome mat for those who wanted to make New Zealand their home. Their place to belong. Iwi and settlers living side by side, respecting their differences. Each acting honourably.
At least that was the intent. Our history tells another story.
Bill English is the prime minister of New Zealand. We want to hear from him on Waitangi Day. We want to hear what his Government's aspirations are for New Zealand and how they might line up with and support the aspirations of the average working New Zealander.
We got part of that speech this week at Ratana Pa. He received a generous and very warm welcome. Those present said he was relaxed and comfortable on the marae in the friendly hospitable environment.
Maybe once in a while attend Waitangi but share yourself around prime minister. There are communities, big and small, up and down the country that would enjoy having you visit on the day.
And I can't see any of them telling you when you can and when you can't speak.
Merepeka lives in Rotorua. She writes, speaks and broadcasts to thwart the spread of political correctness.
