"We do have so much to celebrate as a nation, and our achievements too," he said, adding the event would "celebrate this remarkable occasion with fun, laughter, and families coming together."
The free community celebration is run by Ngati Kahungunu Iwi, and is funded by them, Hastings District Council and Te Puni Kokiri Ministry of Maori Development.
There was no shortage of activities, with children enjoying the free amusement rides as punters strolled from stall to stall - a constant line of adults and children formed outside one offering painted ta mokos.
Other punters, such as Napier resident Lucky Taylor and his family, enjoyed some of the kai available - with stalls offering a multicultural array of food ranging from hangi to ethnic cuisine.
Mr Taylor had brought his two sons and nieces to the event to celebrate Waitangi Day.
"It's an opportunity for Maori to celebrate being Maori, and it's about the younger ones gaining a better understanding of what it means to be Maori."
Throughout the day performances on a main stage kept people entertained - with a playlist including kapa haka groups, Three Houses Down, Tipene Harmer, Rezpect Dance Academy and The Rude Boyz.
Enjoying the music was Jody Hamilton and her 5-year-old son, Paimako.
"For me, Waitangi its about ensuring my son understands his connection to the region," the Napier resident said, adding she enjoyed the event because she could reconnect with people she knew would attend.
This year, Waitangi Day is the first stage of the inaugural Kahungunu Festival, which will continue through to Te Matatini - the world's largest kapa haka festival
Over at Farndon Park, the Clive Festival made a jubilant return, organised by Jim and Marie Edwards. It was cancelled last year because of the death of long-time committee member Lily Baker and a neck injury to Jim Edwards.
Music rang out as families enjoyed checking out clothing, book, and arts stalls. Children of all ages enjoyed free rides on a merry-go-round, train, mini cars and a bouncy castle.
Crowds gathered down at the Clive River bank, where punters donned lifejackets to paddle the Nga Tukemata waka down the river.
Waiting for their turn were Maria Robin and her grandson Leonardus, 5.
Mrs Robin - a member of Kohupaiki Marae - said they were at the festival to support the commemoration of the Treaty of Waitangi signing.
She said although she did not share the Polynesian ethnicity of her grandson it was important to share the significance of the Treaty with him.
"The Treaty is very important for us as a nation, but for them [the younger generation] it's even more important, it's their whakapapa. It affects their future, and their descendants.
"We need to be honouring the Treaty if there is going to be any progress in this nation. That's why this day is so important, to remember the promises that were made.
"Together we can have a great nation."
