National Party Leader Simon Bridges says the Government should not act like a "controlling parent" towards Māori, during his speech at Waitangi today.
Mr Bridges, the first National leader to visit the marae since John Key refused to attend in 2016, also pointed out the fact that he is the first Māori leader of a major New Zealand political party.
He opened his speech in te reo, referring to notes held in his hand, before switching to English and acknowledging the investiture of Te Hekenukumai Busby yesterday, sending him "my absolute best wishes".
"People will talk of discord at Waitangi, and there's a bit of that - but actually 99 per cent of the time it's much, much better than that," Mr Bridges said.
"The Prime Minister has said that this must be a year of delivery and I couldn't agree more with that sentiment.
Celebrations at Waitangi are underway, with politicians from across the spectrum welcomed to the treaty grounds today. (Source: Other)
"It must be a year of delivery for Māori, for all New Zealanders because kōrero is good, barbecues are better, and getting hold of some of Shane Jones funds - that's magic," he joked.
"I agree with something iwi said to the Prime Minister last week - that what means everything is ... fulfilling the potential of our peoples.
"We are proud of the legacy that we bring here to Waitangi but I don't want to dwell on that - suffice to say we worked with you to make progress.
"It wasn't done to you - and that's the spirit we will approach our work and the things we do."
Mr Bridges then told those gathered that his party wants to the Māori with more autonomy.
"We don't view the government like a benevolent but controlling parent that thinks that it knows best and what you want best," he said.
"You know what solutions are best for your hapu, for your iwi, for your whānau and your communities - and that's why we'll keep working with you ... in a spirit of partnership."
"We believe in your independence and your autonomy, and you getting up on your own two feet and standing tall."
Mr Bridges said he stands behind Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Andrew Little - "we stand entirely with you as you do the work you have to do".
He said he and his party would like to see "a new era where Māori are in control and are in the driving seat of their lives".
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