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Waitangi Day celebrations at Te Tii Waitangi Marae in Waitangi have been described as peaceful and upbeat.
In stark contrast to Thursday's incident, where Prime Minster John Key was physically assaulted by two protesters, Friday could not have been more different.
Up to 1,000 people woke up early to attend the dawn ceremony at 5am. Just one lonely protester stood guard under the flagpole as the official ceremonies got underway.
The service concluded at around 6am, after Key led a prayer, in which he spoke about his bright hopes for the future of New Zealand, and about how special he felt about being on the sacred ground of Waitangi.
Key says it's important for him to attend the service, as Waitangi is the birthplace of the nation and special for New Zealanders.
He says he felt comfortable leading the prayer, and was happy to have the opportunity to offer his thoughts, saying he will not let Thursday's incident compromise his freedom.
Key says the event was a one-off, and the ability of politicians to interact freely with the public is something which makes New Zealand special.
"If you want to be out and about with people, there is always a risk," he says.
"I would rather face a little risk, than be in a situation where I can never intersect and engage with the New Zealand public."
However, security was noticeably tighter around Key, perhaps after questions were raised about whether it was too lax on Thursday.
Overall, political leaders are calling the morning a great success.
"The mood's been fantastic up here," says Key.
He says there is a festival atmosphere, and people are turning up in huge numbers.
Up to 70,000 are expected over the two days of the event.
Labour leader Phil Goff says there is a real sense of Maori and Pakeha wanting to celebrate together.
"There are debates about grievances, broken promises from the past but this is the birthplace of our nation. We are here to celebrate it," he says.
And celebrate they did, on land and at sea.
Key enjoyed a ride around the bay on a twin-hulled waka, soaking
up the atmosphere as his first visit to Waitangi as Prime Minister
came to an end.
How do you celebrate Waitangi Day? Share your thoughts on
our message board below.
Also, ONE News would love to see your images of how you celebrate Waitangi Day. Send to interactivenews@tvnz.co.nz or use the Your Cam option
Add a Comment:
Post new commentahastings said on 2010-02-08 @ 09:53 NZDT: Report abusive post
What a discusting act by that republican man, and that is why he is a republican because he has no morals or standards by burning the flag and dressing up like an idiot. this man should be arrested and held accountable for burning a flag that means alot to me and all New Zealanders especially those who have fought under our flag
pridepassionpower said on 2010-02-08 @ 00:42 NZDT: Report abusive post
I care about the NZ flag being burnt, it really hurts me to see that, how about I burn yours in your face? I just wonder that if I carry on like an idiot and burn flags and become lazy that maybe I might get attention from the govt as well? Just a thought. BRING ON NZ DAY! ONE NATION!
ilightenall said on 2010-02-07 @ 06:45 NZDT: Report abusive post
I'm still buzzing from the Waitangi day celebration held here in Perth. Thousands attended for a day of unity and sharing in our unique Kiwi culture. Kiwi Hot Dogs, whitebait fritters, hangi, L&p with homegrown music and craft stalls, Maori and Pakeha simply celebrating being Kiwi.
santa0007 said on 2010-02-07 @ 04:09 NZDT: Report abusive post
The Littlewood Treaty original version gives me my right to claim "my" land back & restore what has been taken from me without my prior say-so. Who do I gotta fight first & can i bring my Mum.
santa0007 said on 2010-02-07 @ 03:27 NZDT: Report abusive post
Foreshore & seabed issue, ultimately the country is governed by a govt,part of that is protection from invasion by anything, given the ownership goes to a non-govt entity,where are the rights if any of our constitution. As it stands now,if you have a problem with your employer & your Moari & want to take them to court,it can be done through treaty claims,according to legal services agency.Does this really mean seperatism or the justifiable return of life by an inheritad old fashioned system.