New Zealand is marking Waitangi day today, which marks the treaty between Māori and British colonialist forces.
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00:00 Here in Waitangi in New Zealand's Bay of Islands, senior Māori and religious leaders
00:07 have addressed a dawn ceremony and with the Prime Minister on stage urged the Government
00:12 to uphold and honour the Treaty of Waitangi.
00:16 Thousands gathered as the sun rose over the Treaty grounds coming from across New Zealand
00:21 to show strength while the Government debates the future of the Treaty.
00:26 Dr Alistair Rees delivered a powerful speech turning towards Prime Minister Christopher
00:31 Luxen and ACT Party Leader David Seymour as he reminded the crowd the Treaty is about
00:37 more than politics.
00:38 While the Treaty began as a love story, like all relational stories in real life, it was
00:45 not without its issues.
00:46 Hollywood does not get to write our script.
00:50 It was not long before the fruits of Waitangi began to wither.
00:55 New Zealand's founding document was signed here 184 years ago today and it's David Seymour's
01:01 Waitangi Principles Bill that has heightened tensions.
01:05 He is drafting a bill that seeks to hold a referendum on the Treaty's principles.
01:10 And today he stuck to that message as he addressed the crowd.
01:14 Let us pray for all New Zealanders, those who have more yesterdays than tomorrows and
01:22 those just starting out on life's journey.
01:25 His approach has been slammed by Māori and the show of strength here at Waitangi is to
01:30 urge the Government not to mess with the Treaty and to rethink some of its policy changes,
01:36 including moves to reduce the use of Māori language in the public service.
01:41 More protests and demonstrations are expected here today as a hikoi or march that has been
01:47 slowly moving south to Waitangi arrives at the Treaty grounds.
01:52 [BLANK_AUDIO]