New Zealand government in a bind over Waitangi as Māori leaders pull out

Navigating this year’s Waitangi Day celebrations is proving a challenge for Jacinda Ardern amid fears of a Covid-19 outbreak

Tensions between Jacinda Ardern’s government and Māori interests over Waitangi have been highlighted before it has even begun, following the withdrawal of the Māori party and iwi leaders from the event over coronavirus concerns.

In the light of positive Covid-19 cases identified in the Bay of Islands, Māori leaders opted to pull out of attending the five days of talks and celebrations marking the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.

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from World news | The Guardian https://ift.tt/36mPxrw