Maori leaders at Waitangi

Pita Sharples makes his reply after being welcomed onto Te Tii Marae at Waitangi today. Sandra Mu / Getty Images

Maori leaders, including MPs Dr Pita Sharples and Hone Harawira, were at Te Tii Marae today on the eve of Waitangi Day.

National leader Don Brash made his appearance there yesterday, telling the audience that his party would ease the proposed Treaty deadlines it set out in last year's election.

Prime Minister Helen Clark is not planning to visit the marae this year and will stay at the Treaty grounds before going to a festival in Manukau.

In 2004, Helen Clark was caught in a crush of protesters and Dr Brash was hit in the face with a clump of mud.

Ngapuhi elders spoke out against the incidents at the time and last year's celebrations passed off without incident.

Tomorrow's events:
* Ceremonies begin with a karakia at 5.30am. Waka then gather at Te Tii Bay, weather and tide permitting, and at noon the Royal New Zealand Navy will fire a 21-gun salute.

* During the day there are sports events and a variety of entertainment, and at sunset the Navy beats the retreat and lowers the flag.