Waitangi Day truly was a celebration of cultures, unity and a hope for future generations as this morning's ceremony took place without any disruptions.

Over 150 people sat on the embankment of Mount Drury (Hopukiore) at 6am this morning, joined by 30 dignitaries and elders seated by the podium. As the sun rose on Mount Drury, and over Leisure Island, Chairman of Ngai Tukairangi Trust Neil Te Kani welcomed everyone to the new venue.

As the sun rose on Waitangi Day, celebrations were opened by a stunning and moving kapa haka performance.-Photos by Daniel Hines

The celebrations have previously been held on Mount Maunganui, but after heavy rains and slips in 2011, Tauranga Moana Kaumatua and Mauao Trustees decided to let Mauao 'heal”. Neil says the new venue still holds great significance as a former Pa site, and ammunition site during the Maori wars.

Amongst the dignitaries were Mayor Stuart Crosby and Western Bay of Plenty Mayor Ross Paterson. Apologies were sent from Tauranga MP Simon Bridges, Prime Minister John key, Bay of Plenty Regional Council member John Cronin and Maori Party MP for Waiariki Te Ururoa Flavell.

A large crowd of all ages and cultural backgrounds attended Waitangi Day celebrations this morning.

Themes for the day from all speakers, including Reverand Paul Williamson from Holy Trnity Church and James Muir, included commitment from all sides to reconciliation, celebration of all cultures, and finding resolve in the issues and tension surrounding the Treaty of Waitangi.

Mayor Stuart Crosby acknowledged that while Waitangi Day meant different things to different people, in 2012 the Council planned to co-operate with Tauranga Moana Kaumatua and hoped to work together 'as our relationship grows stronger”.

WBOP Mayor Ross Paterson addressed the idea of culture unity, using the recent Rena events as an example of 'both Maori and Pakeha putting their hands up and working together”.

Mayor Stuart Crosby addresses the crowd, with talks of unity and co-operation with the Maori people of Tauranga.

Unlike John Key's run in with protesters on Sunday at the Te Tii Marae, the ceremony felt like a real celebration of culture without any disruption or protesting. Highlights from the celebration include performances from Te Ao Turoa, the cultural performance group, and kapa haka performances from Kai hoe waka and Tu Tarakauika ki Rangataua.

The celebration was punctuated with performances from Te Ao Turoa, joined by Kai hoe waka and Tu Tarakauika ki Rangataua.

Seventeen year old Tipene Douglas-Matthews also gave a rousing speech of what Waitangi Day meant to his generation, and was commended by all for his performance.

Neil, who says it was his first time MC'ing, says the new venue and turnout was a great success and it was wonderful to see so many different cultures and ages attend. He says it was also great to see the involvement with the younger generation, particularly though Tipene and the performances, highlighting the important of Waitangi for future generations.

A lone individual stood behind the crowd at the top, observing the celebrations and holding the Maori flag as it flew in the breeze.

Te Ao Turoa perform.

Elders and dignitaries were flanked by the Kai hoe waka and Tu Tarakauika ki Rangataua, who performed after each speech.