It needs to be acknowledged that today is effectively the national day of New Zealand though it does not follow the theme of celebration that I think most other countries have for their national days.
It is a politicised day as the Treaty of Waitangi remains crucial in its position in New Zealand though the power of it remains contestable. So a day for Maori to promote their position and for the most part other New Zealanders to not acknowledge there are legitimate grievances.
This year the event is wrapped up in the opposition to the Trans Pacific Partnership agreement that was signed in Auckland this week. Behind the doors negotiations and yet to be ratified by the New Zealand parliament or other nations for that matter as yet.
John Key has stayed away from the treaty grounds this year-says he was being gagged. Possibly convenient too for him.
