I do think the treaty has an important role around the collective rights of iwi. Waitangi day means nothing to me.
If my memory of history classes is correct ..
The Treaty of Waitangi didn't establish a country.
It did establish a colony within the British Empire.
In 1852 we became a dominion 'where Britain goes we go etc'.
In the middle of last century (50s/60s I forget) we became a truly independent nation. I believe Jim Bolger once suggested we should celebrate that as our true national day. Something separate and positive is needed. A day where we focus on the values that unite, not the politics that divide.
I supported Clarke not attending I support Key in similar circumstances.