In photos: Waitangi Day 2023 - all the action from the Treaty grounds

4:55 pm on 6 February 2023

Large crowds gathered at Waitangi this morning to commemorate the 183rd anniversary of the Treaty.

In karakia and prayers, politicians and other leaders challenged the country to build trust and understanding.

Here's how the morning unfolded (in pictures):

Te Whare Runanga is lit up as hundreds gather in the dark before it on the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

Te Whare Runanga is lit up as hundreds gather in the dark before it on the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Photo: RNZ/Nathan Mckinnon

Te Whare Runanga is lit up as hundreds gather in the dark before it on the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

Photo: RNZ/Jane Patterson

Large crowds gathered at Waitangi this morning to commemorate the 183rd anniversary of the Treaty.

Photo: RNZ/Nathan Mckinnon

People gathered at the dawn service.

Photo: RNZ/Nathan Mckinnon

Flags fly at half mast on the Treaty grounds at Waitangi.

Flags fly at half mast on the Treaty grounds at Waitangi. Photo: RNZ/Ella Stewart

The crowd moves to the open field where the flag is being raised as dawn rises.

The crowd moves to the open field where the flag is being raised as dawn rises. Photo: RNZ/Ella Stewart

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins speaking at the Waitangi dawn service.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins speaking at the Waitangi dawn service. Photo: RNZ/ Ella Stewart

National's Shane Reti said: "Unity and love towards one another".

National's Shane Reti said: "Unity and love towards one another". Photo: RNZ/Nathan Mckinnon

Act leader David Seymour asked for light and understanding, as well as prosperity.

Act Party leader David Seymour asked for light and understanding, as well as prosperity, "though we'll probably settle for affordability". Photo: RNZ/Nathan Mckinnon

Green Party Co-leader James Shaw speaking at the dawn service.

Green Party Co-leader James Shaw speaking at the dawn service, asking for love and trust. Photo: RNZ/Nathan Mckinnon

Julian Wilcox speaking with Prime Minister Chris Hipkins from the Waitangi grounds.

RNZ's Julian Wilcox speaking with Prime Minister Chris Hipkins from the Waitangi grounds. Photo: RNZ/Ella Stewart

The waka flotilla passes along the estuary at Waitangi as it’s welcomed to the beach by Te Tii marae.

The waka flotilla passes along the estuary at Waitangi as it's welcomed to the beach by Te Tii marae. Photo: RNZ/Ella Stewart

The waka flotilla makes it way to Te Tii beach on Waitangi Day.

Photo: RNZ / Ella Stewart

The waka flotilla makes it way to Te Tii beach on Waitangi Day.

Photo: RNZ / Ella Stewart

A waka flotilla passes along the estuary at Waitangi as it's welcomed to the beach by Te Tii marae.

Photo: RNZ/Ella Stewart

Sir Robert Gillies, the last surviving member of the Māori Battalion at Ōhinemutu in Rotorua.

Sir Robert Gillies, the last surviving member of the Māori Battalion at Ōhinemutu in Rotorua. Photo: RNZ/Pokere Paewai

Sir Robert Gillies, the last surviving member of the Battalion, raises the Māori Battalion Memorial flag at Ōhinemutu.

Photo: RNZ / Pokere Paewai

Sir Robert Gillies, the last surviving member of the Battalion, raises the Māori Battalion Memorial flag at Ōhinemutu.

Sir Robert Gillies raises the Māori Battalion Memorial flag at Ōhinemutu. Photo: RNZ / Pokere Paewai

People holding a 'Honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi' sign at Waitangi.

People holding a 'Honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi' sign at Waitangi. Photo: RNZ/Jane Patterson

People holding a 'Honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi' sign at Waitangi.

Photo: RNZ / Nathan Mckinnon

Markets are proving popular for the public at Waitangi.

Markets are proving popular for the public at Waitangi. Photo: RNZ / Ella Stewart

Markets are proving popular for the public at Waitangi.

Photo: RNZ / Ella Stewart

Rangatahi poppin' manus at a Waitangi bridge. Photo:

Rangatahi poppin' manus at a Waitangi bridge.

Photo: RNZ/Nathan Mckinnon

Photo: RNZ/Nathan Mckinnon

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