A procession leaving after a practice run.
6:23 in the morning, and the light is beautiful at the Waitangi Day Dawn Service.
Dramatic light over the Waitangi Day Dawn Service.
A spirited performance during a welcoming pōwhiri.
The Māori flag , the Tino Rangatiratanga flag — widely regarded as the Māori national flag.
Groups gather to practice and chat before formal celebrations.
Shane Jones tries to get Prime Minister Chris Luxon to accept the challenge put down by the welcoming party.
Colourful protest attire.
Gathering behind the Waitangi Upper Marae for a practice.
Practicing for a challenge, with the Royal New Zealand Navy ship HMNZS Te Kaha in the background.
A practice ending with a hongi.
Greeting fellow performers.
The navy practicing for an afternoon performance.
A girl jumps up to the United Tribes of New Zealand flag, also called Te Kara.
The blowing of the pūtātara — a traditional Māori conch-shell trumpet.
It was great to see children immersed in the culture from a young age.
Mixing and mingling after the Waitangi Day Dawn Service.
The three flags that fly over Waitangi Day celebrations are: 1. Te Kara — United Tribes flag; 2. Union Jack, 3. New Zealand flag.
There is quite a Carnival atmosphere, stalls, concerts, debates, and of course fun in the water.
Waka taua at Waitangi, the ceremonial arrival of traditional Māori war canoes.
Ngātokimatawhaorua, the great Ngāpuhi waka taua and the largest regularly used ceremonial war canoe in Aotearoa.
It takes a huge effort to haul Ngātokimatawhaorua up to its housing.
Paddlers from Ngātokimatawhaorua watch as a haka is performed.
Boys watching the haka following the return of Ngātokimatawhaorua.
A warrier during a haka following the return of Ngātokimatawhaorua.
A boy plays in the trees amongst the stalls at Waitangi Day celebrations.
The tekoteko, or carved figure atop the Wharenui (meeting house), on the Upper Marae at Waitangi.
Early morning view of Pahia and Waitangi from Pahia Lookout.