During the Waitangi Day commemorations on February 5, 2025, New Zealand First Minister Shane Jones criticized the pōwhiri ceremony at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, labeling it a “circus” and suggesting that future government funding for the Waitangi National Trust should be reconsidered unless changes are made.
Jones expressed his concerns following disruptions during the pōwhiri, where Act Party leader David Seymour faced significant protest from attendees, including having his microphone taken away twice by a Northland Māori leader during his speech.
In response to the ceremony’s events, Jones stated that he would discuss the matter with his party’s caucus and potentially with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Act’s David Seymour to prevent similar occurrences in the future. He referenced a recent $10 million government grant to the Waitangi National Trust for infrastructure upgrades, implying that future funding could be contingent upon reforms to the pōwhiri proceedings.
National Minister Paul Goldsmith opposed the idea of restricting funding based on such premises, while Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson described Jones’ comments as an “abuse of power.” Waitangi National Trust board chairman Pita Tipene found Jones’ remarks “very unfortunate” and expressed a desire to discuss the issue with the minister.
This incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the conduct of official ceremonies and the relationship between government officials and Māori leaders during significant national events.
