Politicians from both sides of the political spectrum have been welcomed onto the treaty grounds at Waitangi as celebrations begin.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was welcomed along with Opposition leader Simon Bridges - the latter being the first National Party leader to be welcomed since 2015.
Former Prime Minister John Key refused to attend Waitangi at Te Tii in 2016 after he did not receive a response from the marae to his concerns that he would be prevented from speaking about politics.
Ms Ardern was escorted by Titiwhai Harawira, Dame Naida Glavish and Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson.
Winston Peters, Peeni Henare, Paula Bennett and other members of parliament are also in attendance.
They were welcomed with a powerful rendition of Te Rauparaha's Ka Mate haka.
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