Whanganui seemed a million miles away from Te Tii Marae as thousands basked in the February sunshine to celebrate Waitangi Day at Moutoa Gardens yesterday.
Sausies sizzled, reggae beats boomed, dads played games with their sons ... it was far removed from the spats at the Treaty grounds at Waitangi where controversy never seems far away.
Organiser Kiri Wilson from Whaka Whanake said the group organised the event to give people a chance to connect and celebrate. It was not politically motivated.
"Everybody's been having fun, very chill and relaxed," Ms Wilson said.
Several bands played throughout the afternoon event which ran from midday to 5pm. Numerous other activities were held from a carving display to a Ju Jitsu demonstration.