Waitangi: PM back with heavy protection

JOHN SELKIRK/The Dominion Post

POWHIRI PAIR: Prime Minister John Key stands arm in arm with Hone Harawira's mother, Titewhai, as he is welcomed on to Te Tii Marae.

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Surrounded by hordes of police, Maori wardens and waka paddles, Prime Minister John Key arrived at yesterday's Waitangi festivities armed with a smile.

Security was tight at Waitangi's Te Tii Marae, on the lower grounds, as organisers strove to avoid a repeat of last year, when Mr Key was assaulted by two local men.

"I was convinced last year, after the issues I had, I should come back and I'm glad I did and I'm sure the arrival of members of the diplomatic corps is just another example of all the progress were making," Mr Key said.

More than 50 Maori wardens and members of the Waitangi waka team, armed with paddles, formed a human chain to protect Mr Key as he walked on to the lower marae.

While the prime minister sat next to Ngapuhi kuia and Maori activist Titewhai Harawira during formal proceedings, her son, Maori Party MP Hone Harawira, berated National Party policy. "A lot of our people are still starving and raising GST might be good for you and your mates but it is certainly not going to help the people on low incomes," he said.

Later former MP Tuariki Delamere was ushered away by a member of the prime minister's staff when he got up to speak.

Mr Key's group included Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples, Deputy Prime Minister Bill English, MP Georgina te Heuheu and the dean of the diplomatic corps, Pedro Herera.

Labour Party leader Phil Goff – with fellow MPs Shane Jones, Parekura Horomia and Annette King – arrived just after midday to a more reserved gathering.

Mr Goff said he felt the Labour Party contingent had received a warm welcome this year.

He used his address to Ngapuhi elders to strike out at unemployment problems facing Maori.

"It is a national disgrace that 15.4 per cent of our Maori people are today unemployed. That is more important than whatever flag we fly over us today. I want to see a country where every one of our children born today has the right to an equal life expectancy."

He too sat next to Titewhai Harawira, who whispered to him during proceedings.

Early on Wednesday morning, while Ngapuhi elders ate breakfast, it is understood a Maori Party supporter tried to hoist the new tino rangatiratanga flag at Te Tii Marae. When the elders found out, the flag was quickly taken down.

Dr Sharples was unperturbed by the absence of the flag this year,

"Apparently we did get permission to fly it, but someone didn't want it, so fine, it'll be here next year."

- © Fairfax NZ News