July 27, 2020
Crown Māori Relations Minister keen on Queen’s Birthday switch
Crown Māori Relations Minister Kelvin Davis is open to the prospect of swapping out Queen’s Birthday for a Matariki public holiday.
A 30,000 signature petition organised by Action Station and New Zealand Republic and calling for a midwinter holiday to mark the Māori new year was handed to Rongotai MP Paul Eagle on Friday.
Mr Davis says it’s something he has advocated for years.
"For me Queen’s Birthday weekend doesn't have a lot of relevance and maybe we can have that discussion about renaming it so hey, I’m open to it," he says.
Kelvin Davis says there will be time to consider the petition after the election.
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