Waitangi Day's annual hikoi opposes TPPA agreement

Tourists smiled and took selfies as protesters raised their voices and flags for their annual hikoi at Waitangi.

About 500 people singing and carrying banners walked from Te Tii Marae to Te Whare Runanga on Saturday afternoon.

Levi Bristow, who led the crowd, said the hikoi symbolised a unity of people coming together on Waitangi Day.

"It's about the solidarity of all people. It's not a Ngapuhi thing, it's not a Maori thing," he said.

"It was a family gig and everyone was able to participate. There was zero-tolerance of violence."

Clear skies greeted the thousands of people who gathered at Waitangi, a welcome relief after a day of torrential rain and political squabbles.

While the lead-up to Waitangi Day was dominated by political talk and stormy weather, by Saturday the families and festivities largely took over.

Live music, waka displays, hip hop performances and market stalls entertained the crowd, including a performance by singer Anika Moa.Earlier, about 1000 people gathered at Te Whare Runanga at dawn to mark 176 years since the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.The Economic Development Minister took his place as one of the key speakers at the dawn service.

Joyce spoke of the "wonderful displays" at the region's new Waitangi Museum and said a short prayer for the nation.

He called on New Zealand to be inspired by the hope that brought two groups of people together 176 years ago.

Maori Party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell prayed for the Prime Minister to return to Waitangi next year.

"We are a better nation when the Treaty of Waitangi is honoured," he said.

Labour leader Andrew Little also said a short prayer and gave thanks for the beautiful country.

Church and Maori leaders were among the other people who said prayers during the ceremony.

One of the final speakers made mention of the protests that hit headlines in recent days.

"I don't think they're protesters. I think they're people with strong views," the man said.

Following the service, the crowd gathered at the flag pole and hillside to watch the sunrise.

The ceremony was a peaceful affair compared to some of the drama on Friday, which culminated in a protester throwing a sex toy at Joyce.

Meanwhile in Auckland, strong winds stopped the Maori flag from being flown on Auckland Harbour Bridge.

A NZ Transport Agency spokeswoman said safety engineers were on standby since dawn to raise the Tino Rangatiratanga flag, but the winds proved too dangerous.

All the flags were removed from the bridge.