About 500 people have gathered at the Otakou marae on the Otago peninsula for Waitangi Day.
The Otakou marae was one of three sites in the South Island where the Treaty was signed.
Tahu Potiki, Otakou's representative on the Ngai Tahu board, said the Treaty is much more than a piece of paper.
He said the number of people at the event symbolises the relevance of the Treaty today.
Festivities include an afternoon hui, contemporary Pacific Island cultural performances and family activities.
