Waitangi Day was a significant one for Rangitata MP James Meager, historically and personally, after accompanying Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to Ōnuku Marae in Akaroa for the occasion, last Thursday.

"Celebrating Waitangi Day at the place the Treaty was signed by Ngāi Tahu in 1840 added an extra layer of meaning to the celebrations."

The Timaru-raised National MP also connected with some whānau for the first time.

"A particular highlight was having the opportunity to reconnect with some of my close relatives, including young cousins I had never met before."

He said the way the Ōnuku whānau and the wider Banks Peninsula community came together with Ngāi Tahu to mark the important day "demonstrated the enduring spirit of partnership that Waitangi Day represents".

"The prime minister has been very clear that he intends to celebrate Waitangi Day at a number of different places around the country where the Treaty was signed, not just at Waitangi, and I support that," Meager said when asked about the PM's decision to go to Ōnuku rather than Waitangi, in the Bay of Islands.

At the very start of his parliamentary career in 2024, Meager commemorated Waitangi Day at Te Rau Aroha Marae in Bluff, and said it was a very similar day to this year's on Banks Penninsula.

"A lot of respect and manaakitanga (care) for the visitors, and exceptional food. Some challenging statements were made in the spirit of political debate, but everybody commented on how civil and collaborative the occasion was."

There was a small but vocal group of Palestinian rights protestors, led by veteran activist John Minto, near the Akaroa marae, but Meager said he was unaware of that at the time.

"I didn’t see any, except those on the news. I spent most of my time talking with guests and visitors of the marae, as well as mana whenua."

Next year he plans to attend Ōtākou Marae [Otago] which is one of his marae on his grandfather’s side.

In the meantime, Meager will be busy chairing the treaty principles Bill committee that is considering and hearing submissions on the controversial bill.

By Julie Moffett