Summarised by Centrist
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will not attend Waitangi events next year, instead opting to mark the day elsewhere. Māori leaders, including Pita Tipene and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, criticised the move, calling it a missed opportunity for dialogue. Labour’s Willie Jackson labelled the decision “pathetic,” and ACT’s David Seymour confirmed his attendance. Luxon defended his choice, citing a desire to engage with other regions.