Politicians spar on Waitangi Day 

National and Labour again sparred on Waitangi Day, over the Maori vote and how we should mark the national day.

Prime Minister Helen Clark steered clear of any trouble at Waitangi, hoping to celebrate the culture and avoid any clashes, taking a cruise around the bay to watch a waka karakia.

"It's always been lovely at the domain. But we all know there are other sides to Waitangi as well," Clark says.

It's the same old tune from Clark, who in recent years has promoted the healthy living message, enjoyed the atmosphere of the markets and avoided the formal ceremonies.

So the dawn broke without the nation's leader at prayer at the dawn service.

"The Prime Minister has never been to this. She's not an early riser," says Parekura Horomia, Maori Affairs Minister.

There was another opportunity then for the man who wants to fill the Prime Minister's shoes, National leader John Key.

He was asked if he would make a commitment to come to Te Ti Marae and to the dawn service if he's elected Prime Minister.

"Absolutely. I don't say things in opposition and then not do them, that would be disingenuous," Key replies.

But Clark says people who think the Maori vote is on National's horizon are dreaming.

The real challenge for Labour's Maori support comes from the Maori Party.

"I fully expect that the Maori Party will hold the balance of power in future parliaments and that means Maori will be in government every time," says Derek Fox, Maori Party hopeful.

The two politicians looking to lead that government left Waitangi on Wednesday afternoon, the battle moving from the Treaty grounds to parliamentary turf when the House sits for the first time this year, next week.