United New Zealand Party leader, Hon Peter Dunne, is delighted his Member's Bill to establish a new national day has been drawn to go before Parliament.

The Bill, titled the Aotearoa New Zealand Day Bill, (copy attached) proposes renaming Waitangi Day as Aotearoa New Zealand Day.

"Sadly, the divisiveness of recent years means that for many New Zealanders, February 6th has become a symbol of the things that divide us, rather than a day which brings us together and genuinely celebrates our cultural and ethnic diversity."

"It is time to rekindle the vision of Norman Kirk and establish February 6th as a day on which every New Zealander celebrates with pride and confidence the unique gift we all possess by virtue of being New Zealanders.

"This Bill is a bold and timely statement about our country's modern, multicultural status, and I believe it will be strongly supported by New Zealanders."

"This Bill is a chance to put the division of recent years behind us, and to start viewing our nationhood positively."

"It is long overdue," Mr Dunne says.

An important feature of the Bill is its proposal that Aotearoa New Zealand Day be "Monday-ised", and held on the Monday of the week in which February 6th occurs.

"I think it is important that the day be one which encourages celebration, and is not disruptive to business and schools by occurring on different days every year."

"One of the best things about Waitangi Day this year was the variety of ceremonies that occurred over the weekend it was held."

"Having our national day on the same weekend every year should encourage even greater celebration and diversity," he says.

"I would love to see the Bill become law this year," he says.

The Aotearoa New Zealand Day Bill is expected before Parliament on April 5th.

ENDS