The flagstaff, at the Waitangi Treaty grounds, Bay of Islands, flies the New Zealand flag (top), Confederation of United Tribes flag and Union flag. Photo by The New Zealand Herald. : Waitangi Day 2012

Maori elders arrive for the Waitangi Day dawn service. Photo by The New Zealand Herald. : Waitangi Day 2012

The waka arrive at Waitangi. Photo by The New Zealand Herald. : Waitangi Day 2012

The waka arrive at Waitangi. Photo by The New Zealand Herald. : Waitangi Day 2012

Waka crew perform a haka. Photo by The New Zealand Herald. : Waitangi Day 2012

Hamilton the takahe was a VIP guest at Ngai Tahu celebration at Te Rau Aroha Marae in Bluff. Photo by Leeana Tamati. : Waitangi Day 2012

Renee McGinnis with Oliver Payne (7 months), Lee Greig and Julie Clifton enjoy some kai moana in the sun at Te Rau Aroha Marae. Photo by Leeana Tamati. : Waitangi Day 2012

Oraka-Aparima Runaka navigate their waka ama in Bluff Harbour. Photo by Leeana Tamati. : Waitangi Day 2012

Queenstown entertainers perform at the resort's gardens rotunda. Photo by Joe Dodgshun. : Waitangi Day 2012

Queenstown crowds enjoy the town's first official Waitangi Day celebration. Photo by Joe Dodgshun. : Waitangi Day 2012

Queenstown crowds enjoy the town's first official Waitangi Day celebration. Photo by Joe Dodgshun. : Waitangi Day 2012

Dunedin shoppers hunt for bargains in the Waitangi Day sales. Photo by Jane Dawber. : Waitangi Day 2012

Tigilau Ness, of Auckland, performs in the Octagon, Dunedin. Photo by Jane Dawber. : Waitangi Day 2012

The Dunedin Waitangi Day concert in the Octagon attracted about 100 people. Photo by Jane Dawber. : Waitangi Day 2012