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Regional | Waitangi

Gallery: Dawn service kicks off 175th Waitangi Day celebrations

A serene dawn service kicked off celebrations of the 175th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.

Huge numbers of people have gathered at the Marae on the Treaty of Waitangi grounds to participate in the early morning ceremony.

Among those gathered are the Prime Minister,  Human Rights Commissioner Dame Susan Devoy, Iwi leaders and representatives and a number of other politicians.

The service follows a relatively peaceful week of Waitangi celebrations which have continued throughout the week.

The Prime Minister and other politicians were welcomed onto Te Tii Marae yesterday and this morning he will host a breakfast and give his state of the nation speech.

Later this morning the hikoi to the flagpole will take place as well as a range of other forums and activities, organised by the local hapū and Iwi.

Activities organised for the day include special performances by Waka Huia and Ardijah at the Treaty grounds, including displays and performances by the navy.