Clark's no-show at Waitangi a political risk
Is Prime Minister Helen Clark right to avoid this year's Waitangi commemorations once again? Or should she, to borrow a phrase from Opposition leader John Key, "get over it''?
Back in 1999 Clark was visibly upset when she was refused permission to speak on Te Tii Marae, near Waitangi, when she was leader of the opposition. She vowed never to go back if she became prime minister, although she broke that vow, returning in 2004 only to be physically pushed and jostled by an intimidating crowd of protesters.
Opposition leaders have also been in the firing line - everyone remembers former National Party leader Don Brash getting mud slung at him, and his sporting rejoinder: "Good shot!''
Clark has confirmed she's turned down an olive branch from Nga Puhi to return to Te Tii, and will instead perform her alternative programme, which has become something of a minor tradition in itself. She eschews the lower marae, attending another instead. She goes to Waitangi's treaty grounds, but for her own walkabout rather than during the official ceremony.
She avoids the dawn service (the prime minister famously hates getting up early) and holds a breakfast in her own hotel, the Copthorne. She then goes to the Governor-General's bash before returning to Auckland to attend celebrations in the Labour stronghold of South Auckland.
Asked yesterday why she was snubbing Te Tii, Clark said it lacked dignity. I can understand her reluctance given her past experiences, but I wonder whether it's time to draw a line under them and move on, as the PM is so often happy to do.
Shouldn't our prime minister attend the official celebrations at what is, whether we like it or not, New Zealand's national day? Or is the PM right to stay away?
She's certainly taking some political flak. Other political parties, particularly the Maori Party and National, have criticised Clark's no-show, and urged her to attend. It's easy for the Maori Party, of course - they're among friends. No one's going to push, spit, abuse, or throw mud at its MPs.
Key, too, is on to a winner whatever happens. While National leaders have not always been welcome at Te Tii, Key is so easy-going and charming that he is unlikely to cop a faceful of mud like his predecessor. But even if he was abused, it simply plays into his favour. It shows that he's prepared to face up to criticism, while his counterpart is not.
So far, it's working well for him. Arriving at the marae holding hands with Titewhai Harawira, Clark's old nemesis, is a powerful political symbol. Key also had the guts to state he still planned to abolish the Maori seats.
Being the Prime Minister is a little different, of course. One does have to keep one's dignity. But I wonder whether this would have been the year to take the risk and return to Te Tii.
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Our PM is quite correct in not putting her mana at risk with a crowd that have non of their own but use the occasion as a time to protest instead of celebrate. With Tame Iti in attendance this year (his lot did not even sign the Treaty) it would have been folly for her to do so. John Key has shown he will do anything to gain power he is really making me feel ill at the moment. It would almost be worthwhile the Nats winning just to see how they cope with Tariana - perhaps John Key would let her mates tag his house. Yeh right!- love your comments and Guyon's.
So it was dignified for the Prime Minister to score political points at Sir Ed's funeral, but not dignified to attend Waitangi Celebrations. I hope Maori vote with their feet. The Prime Minister has just sent them a clear message that they do not matter. Yet another example of this dreadful woman putting party above the people of this country. Helen Clark is not fit to be prime minister of New Zealand.
To be honest - if I were Helen Clark I wouldn't be going either. I mean she's been shown total disrespect in the past on this occasion - what possesses people to think she'd want to show up there for another round? What I don't get with NZers - is she's the one prime minister who's always in the spotlight - she's putting our country on the map in a positive light consistently - but not many people pick up on that. She was at the rugby world cup, she was at the netball world champs - and what a great speech she gave at the end, she came out to give praise to the finalists in NZ Idol, went with Sir Ed to Antarctica - these are just to name a few of the many things she's done that make her the awesome prime minister she is. Cut the woman some slack!
Queen Helen does not want to meet her subjects today. She finds their manner bothersome and tedious.
Of course this begs the questions, if bad manners and a bit of jostling bothers the PM why does she work in Parliament? Her mate's Trev's fisticuffs are far more hazardous that a few excited activists exercising their right to be heard. She is also fine with letting the community pick up the pieces after violent criminals that her liberal laws have set free. It really is time Helen got her French History books out and looked for the lesson. Next she will be telling us "let them eat cake".
"Key also had the guts to state he still planned to abolish the Maori seats."
Except he doesn't plan to do anything of the sort. National's stated policy now is to start the process in 2014. That's three elections minimum, before even talking about it. We'll be a republic before then.
As plans go, it's like my New Year's resolution to lose weight and run a marathon. Starting as soon as I've polished off the last doughnut. And refilled the plate.
I'm surprised that Helen Clark isn't attending the commemorations at Waitangi. As you say, it's our national day, so for that reason alone I think she should go. I think her decision to refuse to go to the lower marae will be viewed very poorly indeed by a lot of people. I find it very interesting that for someone who has had a reputation for being on the pulse both politically and with regard to how the public is feeling, Helen has really lost her touch lately. Conversely, John Key is being direct and upfront with issues which is great to see (student loans, Maori seats etc). It's almost as if that while John Key has an innate belief that he will be that next Prime Minister, Helen Clark knows deep down that she won't be.
What Ms Clark afraid of, is the nasty Maori lady going to make her cry again. Cut us some slack, Helen, and quit while you're behind!
I'm surprised Helen hasn't left NZ like most of our unskilled labour.
She wants us all to get over the pledge card and move on but is incapable of getting over a little jostling 4 years ago and move on. She should stop being so precious.
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I wouldn't criticise Clark on this score. It's bad enough working in Parliament without having to go further out of your way to encounter lunatic low-lifes - even when they probably vote for your coalition.