A crowd of 300 onlookers made their way to Hopukiore to celebrate Waitangi Day, with proceedings beginning at 6.30am.

A crowd gathers for the start of the ceremony. Photo / David Hall

The dawn ceremony began with whakatau from tangata whenua and music provided by Te Re Rātana Te Tautoru—Rātana Band.

 The Te Reo Ratana Te Tautoru - Ratana Band opens the dawn ceremony by welcoming guests. Photo / David Hall

A light shower dusted the proceedings, but a good atmosphere kept the crowd in jubilant spirits as speakers from iwi across Tauranga Speeches were delivered from Ngāti Pūkenga Iwi Chair, Kylie Smallman, Ngāi Te Rangi Chair Charlie Tawhiao, Mayor of Tauranga City Mahe Drysdale, Mayor of Western Bay of Plenty James Denyer.

Ngāti Pūkenga Iwi Chair, Kylie Smallman.

The ceremony was closed by karakia and Himene, Mā Te Marie and ended at 8am.

More to come.