Jacinda Ardern makes rare public appearance with daughter Neve
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her daughter have made a rare appearance together as they stepped onto sacred Treaty Grounds in Waitanga ahead of New Zealand’s national day.
The Prime Minister took her 18-month-old daughter Neve and partner Clarke Gayford along as they visited the ceremonial site in the Bay of Islands.
Every year on February 6, dignitaries and officials gather at Waitangi to mark Waitangi Day.
The day is culturally significant as it commemorates the first signing of New Zealand’s founding document.
In the past, there has been tensions between some Maori and former party leaders despite the day being one of official remembrance.
Treaty Negotiations Minister Andrew Little gave a speech entirely in Maori (te reo), which was warmly received by Ardern.
“We’d discussed the fact he would be giving (the speech) as part of Labour’s response. I still didn’t quite expect that. We were all incredibly moved,” Ardern said.
The national holiday was first declared back in 1974 and marks the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi on February 6, 1840 by Maori chiefs and the British Crown.
Scroll through the gallery to see the trio on New Zealand’s national day.