Thousands came together at festivals across the region today to celebrate Waitangi day. While free rides, stalls, and entertainment

The 177th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi went off without a hitch at dawn this morning to what has been described as the largest crowd to gather in years. NZ Herald Focus was there to witness the magic.

With temperatures soaring at Waitangi this weekend, just across the bay in Russell locals find plenty of ways to keep cool.

Tristram Clayton was at the launch of the world's largest ceremonial war canoe as part of the 177th anniversary celebrations of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.

COMMENT: Wherever you spend your Waitangi Day, I hope you have a happy day with friends and family, and that the weather smiles on you, writes Andrew Little.

Bill English says his first Waitangi Day as Prime Minister at Orakei Marae and at Hoani Waititi has been positive.

COMMENT: Waitangi is time to consider path so far and road ahead.

Tristram Clayton is at the launch of the world's largest ceremonial war canoe in the lead up to tomorrow's 177th anniversary celebrations of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.

Anti 'P' protesters have converged on Te Tii Marae at Waitangi ahead of tomorrow's Waitangi commemorations.

If Waitangi Day was observed as it should be - and no doubt one day will be - it will be a two-day event.

A new book explores the Treaty of Waitangi - at the coalface and where we are headed.

The weather's going to be (finally) glorious for most of the country.

It appears New Zealanders don't know much about the nation's founding document.

The two teacher unions, School Trustees Association and even the conservative Maxim Institute all backed the policy.

COMMENT: Why would a Pakeha of Irish ancestry be passionate about the Treaty of Waitangi? Two main reasons, writes Terry Dunleavy.

COMMENT: Let me tell you a story of broken promises, generations of injustice, second-class treatment and now, of political expediency, writes Lizzie Marvelly.

Waitangi Day has provided an insight to the character of successive prime ministers ever since Norman Kirk made it a national holiday.

John Key won't leave much of a political legacy but to voters that doesn't matter, says political editor Audrey Young.

A deed of settlement has been reached between a Hawke's Bay hapu and the Crown. The Ahuriri hapu will receive $19.5 million for financial

At the birthplace of the nation, Winston Aldworth and his kids encounter our gritty past.

COMMENT: The All Blacks never back down from a fight and nor should the PM, writes Andrew Dickens.

Former National Party leader Don Brash says a new anti-separatist campaign may end up donating to one of his old enemies, New Zealand First leader Winston Peters.

Tuhoronuku chair Hone Sadler says the board has met Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson's demands and he should have no resign to strip its mandate, despite board resignations.

Te Tai Tokerau MP Kelvin Davis said it would be a catastrophe if Ngapuhi was sent to the back of the queue of Treaty settlements.

The Government says it is open to a deal with iwi on the proposed Kermadec Islands marine sanctuary.

Iwi are seeking a compromise over the Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary in which they will agree not to fish in the region if their Treaty

Maori tribal leaders will today sign a "covenant" with the nation's children, promising to respect them and make childhood a time of "joy and light".

The Waitangi Tribunal says the Trans-Pacific Partnership does not breach the Crown's treaty obligations.

Maori prayers could be banned from the classroom if campaigners are successful in their bid to remove religious instruction from state schools.

Treaty Negotiations Minister Christopher Finlayson says he gets letters from the "KKK" element of society, some of which ask him why he doesn't just die.