A lone protester with a loudspeaker heckled Prime Minister John Key as he arrived at the Te Tii marae in the Waitangi grounds here this morning.
Mr Key and the government party were welcomed on to the marae about 10.30am in the first major event of the weekend marking the 171st anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.
But as he neared the meeting house the protester, in his 20s who was already on the marae, began chanting "The enemy is within us".
"Aotearoa is Maori land. It belongs to Maori, John Key."
The protester was ushered away by marae officials as Mr Key made his way inside the meeting house.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton sent her best wishes to the people of New Zealand on the occasion.
In a message, on behalf of US President Barack Obama and the American people, she said Waitangi was a chance to look back at New Zealand's rich history.
While looking back at a rich history and cultural heritage, New Zealand could also celebrate the promise of a future and the strength of the friendship between the two countries, she said.
"The United States and New Zealand share a vibrant partnership. From my first hongi, and during my entire visit to Wellington and Christchurch last November, I experienced for myself Kiwi hospitality and friendship.
"We will continue to broaden the special relationship between our two countries by partnering on a variety of issues, from curbing climate change and promoting women's rights to stopping the spread of nuclear weapons and material.
"I wish all citizens of New Zealand a happy Waitangi Day, and continued peace and prosperity in the coming year," she said.
Later today Mr Key was to begin a Rugby World Cup carving before attending a Waitangi National Trust board meeting and an iwi leaders' meeting later today.
He was also to attend the navy beat the retreat service on the Treaty House grounds later today before an early start tomorrow morning for the dawn service in the Whare Runanga meeting house in the Treaty House grounds.
Thousands of visitors have begun arriving at Waitangi for the weekend of celebrations.
The navy will have its biggest presence at Waitangi for several years with three ships, the Navy Band and a 100-strong guard.
The Anzac frigate HMNZS Te Kaha, the offshore patrol vessel HMNZS Otago and the inshore patrol vessel HMNZS Hawea, were all to anchor in the Bay of Islands in full view of visitors at the Treaty House grounds.
The Navy first paraded at the Waitangi treaty grounds in 1947 but reduced its presence as protests grew and flags on the flagstaff in the grounds were pulled down by protesters.
The navy are scheduled to conduct two ceremonial beat retreat ceremonies today and tomorrow.
In a controversial move, the Te Tii Waitangi Marae, has demanded that media organisations wanting to enter the marae to cover the celebrations pay a $1000 koha (gift).
The move has incensed many, who claim it is a fee and not a koha, and have refused to pay up.
