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.

Worried Hato Petera College principal is expecting bad news about the future of his school.

Alex Braae visits the Treaty Grounds - a perfect spot to soak up a little of our history.

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.

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.

Kaihatu Te Kenehi Teira, of Heritage New Zealand, said a wahi tupuna is a place important to Maori for ancestral significance and cultural and traditional values.

"I am just as committed today to leading National to victory at the next election as I was when first taking up the role as your leader in November 2006," Key said.

The 175th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi is a time of special reflection for all Kiwis, Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae has said in his Waitangi Day address.

A hikoi comprised of several different protest groups has made its way to the upper marae at Waitangi.

Waitangi is usually about domestic friction, but yesterday war overseas dominated on the marae.

But iwi group will not take its founding trustees to court to recover lost "Treelords" settlement cash because of cost and "ongoing damage to the reputation of the trust".

So far we've identified the achievements of the Treaty settlement and reconciliation process, and flagged that the process is now being pushed beyond the point of being useful.

Yesterday we saw how progress has been made on matters where both language versions of the Treaty say the same thing. Those areas are predominantly natural resources and cultural treasures.

Tribunal report says Maori chiefs who signed the Treaty of Waitangi did not cede sovereignty but Treaty Negotations Minister says that doesn't change Crown's position.

Visitors to the splendid Treaty grounds at Waitangi probably assume the taxpayers of New Zealand happily pay for the facilities there.

Prime Minister John Key says he's upset that the Waitangi National Trust is charging New Zealanders $15 to enter the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

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.