Waitangi Day is a reminder that the traditions and ethos of our elders still have relevance - Daurewa

It is important to note that in the midst of an ever changing world that we live in, Waitangi Day is a reminder that the traditions and ethos of our elders still have relevance more than ever before and it has paved the way for New Zealand’s support and cooperation at the various levels of engagements for the development of our people.

This has been highlighted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Acting Chief of Protocol Paulo Daurewa while delivering a speech at the Waitangi Day celebrations in Suva last night.

The President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, cabinet ministers, and members of the diplomatic corp were present at the celebrations.

Daurewa says Fiji and New Zealand shared common interest in peace, security, climate change and the protection of our oceans and seas remain the building blocks of our relationship.

New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Fiji Charlotte Darlow says Waitangi Day offers a special opportunity to celebrate the evolving partnership between Māori and the Crown in Aotearoa New Zealand, it is also an opportunity to celebrate another important and dynamic partnership – that between Aotearoa New Zealand and Fiji.

Yesterday marked the 183rd anniversary of the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi or the the Treaty of Waitangi, the founding document of Aotearoa New Zealand.