KEY POINTS:
Security surrounding Prime Minister John Key was bolstered for Waitangi Day after two protesters tried to push him when he arrived at Waitangi on Thursday.
Mr Key said he had noticed more Diplomatic Protection Squad members during activities around Waitangi yesterday but there was no need to get carried away.
"There's a balance here. I'm very confident that I'm well looked after and I don't intend to change the habit I have of wanting to get out there and meet New Zealanders in their place of work or play, and there's always a balancing act here.
"If the security becomes too extreme for a one-off random event, it's going to severely curtail my ability to get to meet New Zealand in my capacity as Prime Minister."
Yesterday was a day when protesters - and there were not many - waited while the Navy band got through medleys of Crowded House standards, Bic Runga and Scribe.
Police said the hundred or so who crossed the bridge carrying declaration of independence flags, and a sign saying "Love and Peace R U The Key?" wanted to pray around the perimeter of the Treaty Grounds.
It was a catch-all group with religious and tino rangatiratanga overtones.
Like last year, patched gang members were not allowed to join the group.
Lawyer Tavake Aveaki, who was soaking up the music, said the atmosphere was a "galaxy away" from events 10 years ago.
"This has been the most funnest, most inclusive Waitangi Day ever. It's good for the soul."
The biggest crowds were reserved for a Waitangi favourite, though - families, teenagers and tourists gravitated towards the foreshore, where 14 waka made their way out to where double-hulled waka Te Aurere floated, with Mr Key on board.
