KEY POINTS:
Torrential rainfall may have masked a shoreline view of the frigate Te Kaha, but it did not weaken the thunder of its guns as the 21-gun salute rang out off the Waitangi shoreline.
And neither did the downpour dampen the enthusiasm of about 300 flag-waving protesters who crossed the Waitangi Bridge at midday yesterday in what has become as much a part of the day's activities as the dawn service which began events at 5am.
More than 12,000 braved the conditions at this years commemoration marking the 167th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.
And the tensions that have marred past commemorations were again absent, replaced by a continuation of the more festive atmosphere that re-emerged in 2005.
Waitangi National Trust spokesman Michael Hooper said the attendance was well down on the 46,000 who attended last year, but was pleasing considering the bad weather.
Numbers were still high relative to the days when when protests dominated.
"Three or four years ago we were lucky to attract 12,000 regardless of the weather," he said.
"People have been commenting on the peaceful atmosphere. It is becoming clear Waitangi is the place to be."
The positive feedback added to a recent financial boon for the trust which administers the Waitangi Treaty House and grounds.
On Monday it announced a $20 million funding project - an ASB Trust donation of $7 million and the rest coming from trust funds and sponsorship.
Among those who braved yesterday's weather was Prav Patel, who with his family from Auckland, was enjoying his first visit to Waitangi.
Mr Patel commended the event's atmosphere, saying it was a far cry from the violence and intimidation he had been led to believe was the norm.
"The weather has not been the best but I am glad I came."
His sentiments were not shared by the chairman of far north iwi Te Rarawa, Haami Piripi.
He was disappointed by the commemorations, which he said had been reduced to a market and gala.
Mr Piripi said many people had lost sight of the significance of Waitangi Day.
"It is a commemoration not a celebration - there is little for Maori to celebrate about, particularly during the term of this Labour Government."
He said Waitangi Day had been a time of strong debate among elders and tribal leaders about injustices endured by Maori under the Treaty of Waitangi.
But that tradition appeared to have been pushed aside.
