It's a perfect summer's day in Waitangi and Auckland, but messy weather with gales and rain are expected in some parts of the country.

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.

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.

The sun has come out to play and is here to stay, with a scorcher of a long weekend across the country.

COMMENT: Shane Jones' is set to join New Zealand First but not everyone in the party is holding up the welcome sign.

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

Willie Jackson's move to Labour shows party's commitment to Maori issues, says leader Andrew Little.

SUP170117NAGourplace.JPG: People have been flocking to Northland's beaches, like Ahipara, above, as temperatures soar across the region. By

Labour leader Andrew Little will attend Waitangi celebrations in both Australia and Waitangi this year.

Andrew Little attacks Bill English, as he reveals his battle with prostate cancer left him determined to strive for a system fair for everyone.

Bill English's alternative Waitangi Day programme includes a welcome by Ngati Whatua Orakei.

The main controversy has been the Prime Minister's decision not to front at Waitangi on February 6 because he would not be allowed to speak at the powhiri.

COMMENT: There many excellent reasons for the Prime Minister to stay away from Waitangi but being banned from speaking isn't one of them.

A Ngapuhi kaumatua says the Prime Minister should not "run away" from Waitangi Day commemorations.

You know you're in Northland when Santa arrives by waka ama with a United Tribes flag flying proudly from the back of his canoe.

Date chosen to commemorate land wars has special significance for those who say Maori never ceded sovereignty.

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

PM says it is too early to make a call on his return to Waitangi as elders propose shifting the powhiri from the controversy of Te Tii Marae.

A_MC230814NADPITA3.JPG HOT TOPIC: Pita Paraone has called a hui to discuss next year's Waitangi Day commemorations. PHOTO/MICHAEL

The completion of a settlement of major Treaty of Waitangi claims is in the balance after a hui was held to resolve issues over its management.

Ngapuhi elder Kingi Taurua has claimed responsibility for the Prime Minister's no-show at Waitangi Day commemorations in the Bay of Islands.

Seeing your own country through the eyes of a tourist can reignite a love affair with the beautiful land in which we're blessed to live.

Tauranga's celestial navigator and voyaging waka skipper Jack Thatcher is due to take a prominent ceremonial role in New Zealand's nationhood celebrations at Waitangi today.

Five walks that highlight the historic significance of Waitangi and nearby areas

Prime Minister John Key says he will promote the merits of the TPP free trade agreement on the lower marae at Waitangi.

Rob Cox and family are charmed by Waitangi and its neighbouring towns.

Guided trip up Waitangi Estuary is a great introduction to kayaking, says Donna McIntyre.