Jacinda Ardern makes rare public appearance with daughter Neve
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Every year on February 6, dignitaries and officials gather at Waitangi to mark Waitangi Day.</p>
<p>The day is culturally significant as it commemorates the first signing of New Zealand’s founding document.</p>
<p>In the past, there has been tensions between some Maori and former party leaders despite the day being one of official remembrance.</p>
<p>Treaty Negotiations Minister Andrew Little gave a speech entirely in Maori (te reo), which was warmly received by Ardern.</p>
<p>“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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Scroll through the gallery to see the trio on New Zealand’s national day.</p>
