Prime Minister Luxon to Visit Waitangi for Iwi Talks Before National Holiday
By Lions Roar Aotearoa Political Desk
WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND (Saturday, January 31, 2026) — Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has confirmed he will return to Waitangi next week to meet with iwi leaders. The decision marks a shift from last year, when he was criticized for being absent from the Northland site during his first year as Prime Minister.
While Luxon will engage in political and economic discussions at the Treaty Grounds early in the week, he will once again be elsewhere for the national holiday itself.
📍 The Split Schedule: Waitangi and Auckland
The Prime Minister’s office has outlined a two-part plan for the commemorations:
- Early Week (Waitangi): Luxon will meet with iwi to discuss the recent severe weather response and government initiatives aimed at economic growth.
- Waitangi Day (Auckland): On February 6th, the Prime Minister will attend a community event in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) rather than the dawn service or formal events at the Treaty Grounds.
Last year, Luxon spent Waitangi Day at Ōnuku Marae in Akaroa, stating a preference for celebrating the national day across different regions rather than focusing solely on Northland.
🗳️ Public Opinion and Political Presence
The decision to visit Waitangi at all comes amid heightened public scrutiny and political tension:
- Poll Data: A recent RNZ-Reid Research poll revealed that 62% of New Zealanders believe it is important for the Prime Minister to be present at Waitangi for the national holiday.
- Full Attendance: Luxon’s return ensures that for the first time in his premiership, all party leaders in Parliament will travel north during Waitangi week.
- ACT Leader’s Stance: David Seymour (ACT) confirmed his attendance, noting he plans to emphasize equality for all New Zealanders “regardless of when our ancestors got here.”
📜 Historical Context: PMs and Waitangi
New Zealand Prime Ministers have a varied history with the Treaty Grounds, often influenced by the political climate of the time.
- Jacinda Ardern & Chris Hipkins: Both spent multiple days at Waitangi, often including the morning dawn service.
- John Key (2016): Opted to attend the NRL Nines in Auckland instead after being denied speaking rights by iwi leaders.
- Helen Clark (2004): After being jostled by protesters, she largely avoided Te Tii Marae in subsequent years, attending private breakfasts instead.
- Bill English (2017): Spent the day with Ngāti Whātua at Bastion Point in Auckland.
