Wednesday, 31 January 2007

Dunne: Is a separate national day a win/win solution?

A Treaty expert's warning of plummeting public interest in the Treaty of Waitangi and the threat of another protest to hoist the Maori independence flag on the Auckland Harbour Bridge are both reminders of the benefits of a separate national day for New Zealand, according to United Future leader Peter Dunne.

The sponsor of a New Zealand Day Bill now before a select committee, he believes discussion is needed to look at possible options for a new national day, including the benefits of a separate national day.

"Waitangi Day would be retained and could be better examined and considered by all," says Mr Dunne.

"Issues surrounding the Treaty and the subsequent Crown/Maori partnership could be discussed and it would be completely appropriate to do so.

"We would then have a national day where such political and ethnic matters were put aside, and we celebrate as one people from one nation - whatever our class, creed or background.

"This would let us give the opportunity to debate, discuss and celebrate the Waitangi signing, without taking anything away from our non-political day of unity," says Mr Dunne.

He hopes that discussion continues on the topic as it shows that New Zealanders care about their country and want a say in shaping their identity.

ENDS

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