The 2017 Waitangi Day celebrations hosted by Te Runanga o Otakou at the Otakou Marae on Monday. Photo: Peter McIntosh
Hundreds of people have converged on Otakou marae for Ngai Tahu's Treaty of Waitangi Festival today.
Ngai Tahu kaumatua Edward Ellison told the crowd he was "amazed'' at the turnout.
Among those who gave speeches were Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull, waka specialist Hoturoa Kerr, archaeologist Dilys Johns, Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Christopher Finlayson QC and Maori Party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell.
The formal ceremony began just after 10am with a powhiri, with family activities, workshops and a morning tea held after 11am.
The marae hosted the event every third year, alternating with Onuku marae in Akaroa and Te Rau Aroha marae in Bluff.
