On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the people of New Zealand on the 170th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitang on February 6. This is an occasion that brings together all New Zealanders -- both Maori and those who arrived in later generations -- and an opportunity to honor your rich history and reaffirm the hopes we all share for a brighter future. New Zealand’s success in bringing together people from different backgrounds and beliefs serves as a model to nations around the globe. And the partnership between our two nations is a basis of peace and prosperity in the Pacific and beyond. We in the United States offer our best wishes to our good friends the Kiwis as you celebrate this historic day.
PRN: 2010/152
