Prime Minister Christopher Luxon Heckled During Speech At Treaty Grounds

Thursday, 5 February 2026, 5:42 pm
Press Release: RNZ

Prime Ministers Christopher Luxon's speech has been heckled at throughout his 10 minute speech at the Treaty Grounds.

During his speech, Luxon spoke of the recent weather events, the effected communities and the country's sense of identity, among other things.

The hecklers interrupted his speech multiple times throughout, with some interruptions lasting up to 10 seconds.

"We've had enough," one person yelled.

"Did you bring any KFC?" another asked.

One person can also be heard yelling "treason".

Luxon said it had been a challenging build-up to Waitangi, particularly for communities affected by severe weather.

"The atmosphere surrounding Waitangi Day and the Treaty itself have sometimes been very heated, and we've seen that again today, and that's for good reason because part of national life in New Zealand is that we do debate difficult things."

Luxon said attending Waitangi was a "tremendous privilege".

He sought to reassure people the RMA reforms would contain strict provisions to respect Treaty settlements.

Defending the government's approach to health targets, Luxon said "should not ask about their family tree but ask about their need".

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