New Zealand A Nation Without A National Day

The sight of Australians coming together in celebration of their national day and award honours such as the ‘Australian of the year award’ is another reminder that New Zealand is missing our own national day, according to United Future leader Peter Dunne.

“The timing is right for New Zealand to actively and positively advance our national identity – starting with a new national day,” says Mr Dunne.

"Across the ditch, Australians celebrate a day that is about one thing only – the celebration of their country and of being a citizen of that country.

“New Zealand also needs a national day that celebrates what a great country we live in, and how great it is to be a Kiwi – be you first, fifth or twenty-fifth generation.

“There is no doubt the Treaty of Waitangi has an important place in New Zealand’s history, but having the Treaty the centre and indeed holding the naming rights for our day of national festivities, just politicises the day and invites unnecessary racial tension.

“Celebrations in multi-cultural, twenty-first century New Zealand should focus solely on what a great country we have, what great people live here, the successes of New Zealand and New Zealanders on the world stage and how glad we all are to be part of it,” says Mr Dunne.

“I would like to see a new national day established for 2008, and I have had a great deal of support for this proposal from all corners of the country," said Mr Dunne.

ENDS

© Scoop Media