Waitangi Day

Waitangi Day is beginning on a fine day in Waitangi where hundreds have gathered for the the traditional dawn service.

Hundreds of people converged on Otakou marae for Ngai Tahu’s Treaty of Waitangi Festival yesterday.

Philip Kirby may have lived in New Zealand for just two days, but he has already had a memorable Waitangi Day experience.

The relationship between Ngai Tahu and the Dunedin City Council is ''blossoming by the day'', as their respective leaders discuss regional economic development, including the benefits and risks of offshore oil and gas exploration.

Nau mai, haere mai to Otakou marae for the Ngai Tahu treaty festival today.

While claiming a warm reception at Te Tii Marae yesterday, Labour was snubbed by those at Maoridom's top table, who were meeting the Government nearby.

Waitangi Day is often fraught with protests and dissent but, each year, there is hope New Zealand's national day will lead to closer recognition of the Treaty and what it means to the country as a whole.

After a chilly start to Waitangi Day, the sun made a timely appearance so hundreds could make the most of the public holiday at the Queenstown Gardens, enjoying a special community picnic. In addition to live cultural performances, including Queenstown Primary School and the Kiwi Haka group, visitors and residents were treated to poi and flax weaving demonstrations and a hangi. Tracey Roxburgh was there.

Photos from across Central Otago as families celebrate Waitangi Day.

Prime Minister John Key used his annual address at Waitangi to make the case for the day to keep its edge, warts and all, but warned there was a danger extremists would destroy the public goodwill that was critical for Treaty settlements to be resolved.

Prime Minister John Key has been given a swift history lesson by his ally, Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples, after Mr Key said Maori protesters risked de-railing the Treaty settlement process by alienating public goodwill.

National days around the world are often full of pride.

The harbour was the place to be in Oamaru for Waitangi Day yesterday, with two events combining to make for a fun family day out.