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Thousands of people have enjoyed Waitangi Day festivities at the
Northland settlement, marking 168 years since the signing of the
Treaty of Waitangi.
Celebrations started with a peaceful dawn service disturbed only by
a lone protester. There was standing room only in the whare with a
handful of MPs, Navy representatives and a few protesters in the
crowd.
National leader John Key was there, but Prime Minister Helen Clark
did not attend.
Speakers led prayers about belonging and Key used the opportunity
to lead a prayer of his own.
The Prime Minister's absence attracted attention once again with
Maori elders speaking at the service saying they were disappointed
not to see Clark make an appearance.
John Key also had something to say.
"It's each to their own. If I was Prime Minister I would come
back," he said.
Clark was up and about early hosting a breakfast then taking a
cruise around the bay to watch a waka karakia held at Hobson's
Beach opposite Te Ti Marae.
ONE News political editor Guyon Espiner says unlike previous years
there was little protest. The service was peaceful with just one
woman shouting in interruption.
Maori wardens were forced to escort her and her friend from the
meeting house where the service was being conducted.
Tuhoe activist Tame Iti kept a low profile arriving as the sun rose
over the Treaty grounds.
Weather makes the day
Fine sunny weather helped draw the crowds for waka karakia, live
music and the Navy's 21 gun salute.
The Navy band belted out the national anthem as the salute echoed
from the water to the flagpole on the Treaty grounds.
Around 700 people gathered to watch the salute.
What does Waitangi Day mean to you? How does the Treaty
affect you? Share your thoughts on our message board
below.
