The agreement in principle to a $32.5 million Treaty of Waitangi settlement for Tararua and Wairarapa Rangitane iwi is a momentous time in history.

The Waitangi Tribunal has asked the Crown to consider whether it would pause the election process for the iwi's mandated body.

The country's biggest tribe is negotiating an agreement for jobs and prosperity for its members - but fierce infighting is hindering the process and costing it millions.

In a year that is unusually crowded with historical commemorations, one that may escape attention is the 170th anniversary of the flagpole in Russell.

Trout, deer, pigs and other exotic species would have to be culled from the Ureweras under a law change before Parliament, fishers and hunters are warning Government.

The country's biggest iwi wants to move out of grievance mode and into talks with the Crown about settling its Treaty of Waitangi claims.

Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson has refuted suggestions that a settlement invitation with the country's largest tribe was a "cash offer".

It's the middle of summer but you wouldn't know it as dozens of kaihoe (paddlers) brave the drizzle and blustery winds at Waitangi on what is New Zealand's most historic day.

Ngapuhi factions say PM John Key used his Waitangi Day speech as a platform to prematurely force a historic settlement with Ngapuhi in election year for political gain.

New Kiwi families were welcomed together as citizens at Government House today in the spirit of the Treaty of Waitangi, the Governor-General said.

Wet and blustery weather has failed to keep the crowds away from Waitangi with hundreds pouring on to the Treaty Grounds.

New Zealand’s largest iwi is seeking the biggest ever Treaty settlement - $500m to $600m.

While claiming a warm reception at Te Tii Marae yesterday, Labour was snubbed by those at Maoridom's top table who were meeting the Government nearby.

Alison Jones and Kuni Kaa Jenkins take a look back 200 years to the magnificent event which heralded the start of permanent Pakeha settlement.

Take the personalities out of the equation and a National-NZ First Govt would be far less restrictive for National than one relying on the Maori Party, writes Claire Trevett.

There was calm at Waitangi's Te Tii Marae yesterday with some locals going as far to say that things were "pretty tame and chilled".

February 6 is Waitangi Day and, every year, there are arguments about what this day means to New Zealand. There is no one answer.

John Key offered a challenge of his own to protesters at what he said was one of the quietest pre-Waitangi Day visits to Te Tii Marae in many years, despite a pilchard protest.

Those who disrupt the PM's attendance at Te Tii Marae are 'crapping on their own heritage', according to NZ First leader Winston Peters.

Treaty settlements tend to disappear from public view a day after they have been announced. Not so for an imminent settlement with Auckland iwi.

Photos and mementoes of the late Parekura Horomia will be presented at Waitangi today in memory of the politician who never missed Waitangi Day at the historic Treaty grounds.