Thousands gather for dawn ceremony
Ata mārie, Aotearoa New Zealand, and welcome to the New Zealand Herald’s live coverage of Waitangi Day.
It is 183 years today since the first signatures were placed on what became our country’s founding document. Events are planned across the country to mark the anniversary.
The dawn ceremony: Leaders call for unity; 82yo protestor removed
About 2000 people have braved the morning’s changeable weather and gathered on the Waitangi treaty grounds for the dawn service outside of Te Whare Rūnanga.
Sat on the porch of the meeting are Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro and Prime Minister Chris Hipkins. Alongside them are Chief Justice Helen Winkelmann, Commissioner of Police Andrew Coster, Chief of Navy David Proctor, Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier and chairman of the Waitangi Trust Pita Tipene.
Link to video and article: Live: Waitangi Day 2023: Thousands gather for dawn ceremony - NZ Herald
