It's the middle of summer but you wouldn't know it as dozens of kaihoe (paddlers) brave the drizzle and blustery winds at Waitangi on what is New Zealand's most historic day.

Ngapuhi factions say PM John Key used his Waitangi Day speech as a platform to prematurely force a historic settlement with Ngapuhi in election year for political gain.

New Kiwi families were welcomed together as citizens at Government House today in the spirit of the Treaty of Waitangi, the Governor-General said.

Wet and blustery weather has failed to keep the crowds away from Waitangi with hundreds pouring on to the Treaty Grounds.

New Zealand’s largest iwi is seeking the biggest ever Treaty settlement - $500m to $600m.

Reporter Sarah Illingworth speaks to eight Kiwis from different backgrounds about what the Treaty and our national day mean to them.

While claiming a warm reception at Te Tii Marae yesterday, Labour was snubbed by those at Maoridom's top table who were meeting the Government nearby.

Waitangi Day dawn service held at the treaty grounds marae at Waitangi.

Protesters opposed to deep sea drilling and mining in Northland were promising a torrid welcome at Waitangi this year. The protesters who arrived a couple of hours before PM John Key did had a hikoi of about 70, included Green Party Co-Leader Metiria Turei.

John Key offered a challenge of his own to protesters at what he said was one of the quietest pre-Waitangi Day visits to Te Tii Marae in many years, despite a pilchard protest.

Those who disrupt the PM's attendance at Te Tii Marae are 'crapping on their own heritage', according to NZ First leader Winston Peters.

Photos and mementoes of the late Parekura Horomia will be presented at Waitangi today in memory of the politician who never missed Waitangi Day at the historic Treaty grounds.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully leaves today to host a Waitangi Day function in New York for 200 diplomats where he will step up New Zealand's campaign for a seat on the Security Council.

At Waitangi, a light-hearted church service led by the country's politicians and iwi leaders kicked off the day's events this morning, followed by kapa haka and waka activities. Some members of the community also took part in an anti-violence hikoi. Elsewhere, Kiwis are celebrating Waitangi Day by soaking up the sun with friends and family.

As you'll know by breathless media reports, the old battle-axe Titewhai Harawira took the country to the brink of disaster just as the Prime Minister and other dignitaries were about to arrive at the lower Waitangi marae.

The United States has the 4th of July, France has Bastille Day, and Australia, well, Australia has Australia Day.

On the way to Waitangi we stopped at a coffee bar in Whangarei. The attendant said he had grown up in the Bay of Islands but wouldn't go where we were going.

A group of immigrants chose Waitangi Day to become New Zealand citizens. Reporters Vaimoana Tapaleao and Kieran Campbell met some of the new New Zealanders.

John Key and David Shearer have both voiced support for a four-year parliamentary term - but the change will require public buy-in to happen.

The foreshore at Waitangi turned muddy in the bright sun this morning as waka paddlers delighted thousands with haka.

Prime Minister John Key has used his annual address at Waitangi to make the case for the day to keep its edge, warts and all.