Source: Radio New Zealand
RNZ / Layla Bailey-McDowell
Politicians, church leaders, local iwi and a crowd in the thousands attended the dawn service which kicked off Waitangi Day celebrations.
The service included a rowdy reception for deputy prime minister David Seymour, who faced boos, and audience members heckling him during his speech. A pūtatara (conch shell) could also be heard blowing.
RNZ photographers and journalists were at the service.
Here is how the morning unfolded in pictures.
Sunrise at Waitangi today. RNZ / Layla Bailey-McDowell
Crowds gathered early for the dawn service. RNZ / Mark Papalii
The governor general Dame Cindy Kiro, deputy prime minister David Seymour, National’s Dr Shane Reti and Labour leader Chris Hipkins at the service. RNZ / Layla Bailey-McDowell
Defence Force personnel at the service. RNZ / Mark Papalii
One of those attending. RNZ Mark Papalii
Waitangi Day 2026 is marked at Te Whare Rūnanga, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in the Bay of Islands. RNZ Mark Papalii
Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour delivers his reading. RNZ Mark Papalii
Bishop Te Kito Pikaahu asked the crowd for calm while Seymour delivered his prayer. RNZ/Mark Papalii
A protestor during Seymour’s reading. RNZ Mark Papalii
A band plays during the service. RNZ Mark Papalii
The crowd as the sun rises. RNZ Mark Papalii
Greens’ co-leader Marama Davidson. RNZ Mark Papalii
Dame Cindy Kiro. Mark Papalii
National’s Dr Shane Reti. Mark Papalii
Labour leader Chris Hipkins. Mark Papalii
Bagpipes at the dawn service. Mark Papalii
A flag is raised at the dawn service. Mark Papalii
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/06/waitangi-2026-dawn-service-in-pictures/