Photos: Thousands gather in Bay of Islands for Waitangi Day celebrations

Wiremu Keretene (Ngāti Hine) holds a sleeping child during the waka display at Tii Beach. Photo / Dean Purcell

Thousands gathered in the heart of Northland’s Bay of Islands to commemorate Waitangi Day.

A dawn ceremony at Te Whare Rūnanga Marae on the upper Treaty grounds marked the beginning of commemorations.

Then a line-up of cultural celebrations and festivities followed for those visiting the birthplace of the nation.

New Zealand Herald photographer Dean Purcell captured the occasion.

Dawn breaks at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

The dawn ceremony started the day's commemorations.

The annual gun salute from HMNZS Canterbury.

A sweet moment captured amid the day's festivities.

Waitangi Day is about coming together.

The annual hīkoi in defence of Te Tiriti o Waitangi reaches the treaty grounds. Organiser Rueben Taipari, left, says this year's hīkoi was led by the next generation of Māori activists.

Members of the hīkoi making their peaceful stand.

Waka ceremony at Waitangi. Photo / Dean Purcell

The traditional waka parade had a place for the different generations.

Spectators watch part of the waka parade.

The traditional waka parade in front of Te Tii Marae.

Waka take to the water as spectators watch on.

Youngsters showcase Māori culture as part of the waka parade.

A woman photographed on the beach, watching as the kaihoe (paddlers) traverse the water in their waka.

A moment captured during the waka parade.

A waka is sent on its way at Tii Beach.

Dawn at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

The dawn ceremony at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

Waitangi Whangārei stands in solidarity.

The Waitangi bridge overflows with spectators keen to see the waka parade.

Tii beach packed during the waka parade.