The signing of a treaty regarded by many as the birth of modern New Zealand will be commemorated by a dawn service at Mount Maunganui tomorrow.
Tauranga kaumatua Peri Kohu (Ngai Tamarawaho) said the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi had been a serious occasion.
''We remember the agreement that was signed. Some would say it was the birth of this country and I would have to agree with that,'' he said.
Kohu said dawn was the appropriate time of the day to have karakia (prayers) and the venue for the service at Hopukiore (Mt Drury) was significant because it was part of an area sacred to Maori.
The Treaty represented the interface of two cultures - Maori and European, he said.
The first signatures were attached to the Treaty at Waitangi on February 6, 1840, after which it was taken around New Zealand to be signed by other Maori chiefs.
Marine Parade from Grace Ave to Pacific Ave will be closed from 5-10am on February 6. Access to the service would be via Pacific Ave before 6.30am and locked from 6.30am until the end of the service at 8.30am.
Tauranga Moana's Treaty of Waitangi Dawn Service
Where: Hopukiore (Mt Drury).
When: February 6, starting 6.30am with a karakia (prayer).
Community service: Speeches and hymns from kaumatua (elders), clergy, civic leaders and rangatahi (youth).