Hon Georgina te Heuheu
National Maori Affairs Spokesperson

30 January 2001

Backs should not be turned on Waitangi Day

"New Zealanders turning their backs on Waitangi Day will not solve the issues around the Treaty of Waitangi," National Maori Affairs spokesperson Georgina te Heuheu said today.

"What's required is patience, understanding and a commitment to our shared future. That calls for inspirational leadership that is committed to uniting our country.

"The issue of reconciling our various interests is one of the biggest challenges facing us. It requires leadership that will help New Zealanders focus on the things that bind us together. That way, the things that seemingly divide us will look less difficult.

"The key to our shared future lies in leadership that supports the reality that the Treaty is for all New Zealanders. It is the foundation of our nation.

Mrs te Heuheu urged all New Zealanders to show generosity of heart and spirit so that the shared interests of all New Zealanders can be reconciled.

Ends

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