The Prime Minister and National are being accused of deliberately trying to confuse people about Waitangi Day.

Bill English won't be attending this year's celebrations at Waitangi, after being told he won't be allowed to speak.

Labour leader Andrew Little told Rachel Smalley there has always been some confusion surrounding the events leading up to Waitangi Day

But he believes the critical thing is what happens on the day itself.

"The Prime Minister leads government in New Zealand, and the Prime Minister should be there kicking off celebrations starting with the Dawn Service at Waitangi."

"As dawn breaks over the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, that's where the Prime Minister should be," he added.