Calm reigns as Waitangi events get under way

Hikoi marchers walk towards Te Tii Marae in Waitangi yesterday to deliver their message to the politicians attending Waitangi Day commemorations.

Yesterday was one of the most peaceful starts to Waitangi Day festivities seen in the Bay of Islands in decades.

There was little of the vitriol, invective, abuse or violent protest that has featured in Waitangi Day commemorations in the Bay previously.

Before yesterday's visit Prime Minister John Key said he expected a "rough" reception at Waitangi this year as he walks into a hotbed of issues.

Mr Key made his ninth annual visit to Te Tii Marae but there was no trouble other than a group of protesters against the Trans Pacific Partnership and calls about sovereignty.

Northern Advocate photographer John Stone - a veteran of Waitangi Day commemorations - captured these images from yesterday at Waitangi.