Large crowds gathered at Waitangi this morning to commemorate the 183rd anniversary of the Treaty.
In karakia and prayers, politicians and other leaders challenged the country to build trust and understanding.
- Listen to RNZ's special Waitangi programme here
- Follow RNZ's live blog for all the action from the Treaty Grounds
Here's how the morning unfolded (in pictures):
Te Whare Runanga is lit up as hundreds gather in the dark before it on the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Photo: RNZ/Nathan Mckinnon
Photo: RNZ/Jane Patterson
Photo: RNZ/Nathan Mckinnon
Photo: RNZ/Nathan Mckinnon
Flags fly at half mast on the Treaty grounds at Waitangi. Photo: RNZ/Ella Stewart
The crowd moves to the open field where the flag is being raised as dawn rises. Photo: RNZ/Ella Stewart
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins speaking at the Waitangi dawn service. Photo: RNZ/ Ella Stewart
National's Shane Reti said: "Unity and love towards one another". Photo: RNZ/Nathan Mckinnon
Act Party leader David Seymour asked for light and understanding, as well as prosperity, "though we'll probably settle for affordability". Photo: RNZ/Nathan Mckinnon
Green Party Co-leader James Shaw speaking at the dawn service, asking for love and trust. Photo: RNZ/Nathan Mckinnon
RNZ's Julian Wilcox speaking with Prime Minister Chris Hipkins from the Waitangi grounds. Photo: RNZ/Ella Stewart
The waka flotilla passes along the estuary at Waitangi as it's welcomed to the beach by Te Tii marae. Photo: RNZ/Ella Stewart
Photo: RNZ / Ella Stewart
Photo: RNZ / Ella Stewart
Photo: RNZ/Ella Stewart
Sir Robert Gillies, the last surviving member of the Māori Battalion at Ōhinemutu in Rotorua. Photo: RNZ/Pokere Paewai
Photo: RNZ / Pokere Paewai
Sir Robert Gillies raises the Māori Battalion Memorial flag at Ōhinemutu. Photo: RNZ / Pokere Paewai
People holding a 'Honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi' sign at Waitangi. Photo: RNZ/Jane Patterson
Photo: RNZ / Nathan Mckinnon
Markets are proving popular for the public at Waitangi. Photo: RNZ / Ella Stewart
Photo: RNZ / Ella Stewart
Rangatahi poppin' manus at a Waitangi bridge. Photo:
Photo: RNZ/Nathan Mckinnon
Photo: RNZ/Nathan Mckinnon