Politicians have arrived at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds for the parliamentary pōwhiri.
MPs from all major political parties are attending. There was some confusion over speaking rights on Saturday, but it appears the Waitangi National Trust is now happy for leaders to stand and speak.
Following the pōwhiri, political leaders will hold stand-ups.
Follow it below.
Hipkins, speaking in te reo, says with discussion comes knowledge, which brings light and understanding, which brings wisdom. That brings wellness, he says.
Speaking in English, Hipkins says it is a privilege to be at Waitangi to speak about the treaty. He says it is a day to reflect on our shared history as a nation and to celebrate what lies ahead of a unique country. It’s also a celebration of differences.
He acknowledges the passing of Titewhai Harawira. He remembers her sitting with former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
He says in history since the treaty was signed, there has been too much misunderstanding, mistrust and broken promises.
But we are committed to working together for the prosperity of New Zealanders, Hipkins says. Part of that is confronting our history as a country.
Hipkins says as Education Minister he ensured our history is taught in all New Zealand schools.
Hipkins says he has always thought he has been welcomed onto Marae.
He says he came to Waitangi 15 years ago. He says the pictures he saw on the TV prior of Waitangi commemorations didn’t always accurately reflect the feeling on the ground.
Hipkins repeats his plea for politicians not to exploit uncertainty to create fear. With honesty and understanding, we can overcome that, he says.
The resolution of historic grievances is not the end of the matter, he says. The commitment to working together must be maintained past the end of the treaty settlement process.
I will never accept a health or education system that delivers inequitable outcomes for some New Zealanders, he says.
Labour MP Peeni Henare introduces Prime Minister Chris Hipkins.
Teanau Tuiono from the Greens is speaking. Tuiono says the Green Party also acknowledges the loss of Māori leaders over the past year. He speaks about James Shaw from the Greens leading the way with his climate change portfolio.
Speaking from the National Party, MP Dr Shane Reti says he is there to support and guide leader Christopher Luxon.
Luxon, speaking in te reo, says he acknowledges the local people and those who have passed.
Speaking in English, he thanks the organisers for arranging the event. He acknowledges the losses of the likes of Moana Jackson, Sir Wira Gardiner and Titewhai Harawira. He also remembers the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
Luxon says it is important to remember together we are one nation.
He speaks about the British arriving in New Zealand but says the promise and obligations of the treaty were not upheld by the Crown.
He says New Zealand has struggled to understand the intentions of those who signed the treaty. The treaty settlement process is something we can be proud of.
It's important the Crown keeps to its obligations as part of the settlement process. Settlements should be forever, he says.
He wants the settlement process to be finished by 2030. National will work faithfully with Ngāpuhi on a settlement, Luxon says.
Luxon starts to speak about the cost of living crisis and restoring law and order. He says these are also issues facing Māori.
He says we have got many things right over the past 183 years. We are a 21st-century success story, ready to tackle the challenges that come our way.
ACT wants all people to focus on living in equity and not being divided. Seymour's entire speech was in te reo.
Speaking in te reo, Seymour speaks about equity for all New Zealanders. He says those objectives won't be met unless we debate the pathway to accomplish them.
He says ACT believes if you look forward, all people must live equally. We believe in self determination for all people under the powers of the Government.
Te Pāti Māori MPs and staff, as well as some National, Greens, and ACT MPs, stand for a waiata.
Te Pāti Māori's Rawiri Waititi is currently speaking.
Former NZ First MP Shane Jones, speaking to the politicians, notes the ministers are in the shade, while the speakers are baking in the sun.
He tells the "two Chrises" many footsteps and many words have come before on the Marae.
He tells ACT's David Seymour to "please live up to" his genealogy, acknowledging his Ngāpuhi whakapapa.
Jones finishes his speech by telling politicians he will see them at the end of the year, an election year.
Politicians are currently listening to speakers. They are told they are all there to commemorate the Treaty of Waitangi.
There have been several acknowledgements of the late Titewhai Harawira. "She would have led you onto the marae and criticised you whoever you are if she was still here", the MPs are told.
A speaker thanks MPs for returning a pa and also building houses in the local community.
The male political leaders sit on the grounds, while the wahine are on the porch.
Te Paati Māori come onto the grounds in a separate contingent.
The political leaders and MPs have been welcomed onto the grounds and are preparing to sit for speeches.
The politicians are arriving at the powhiri. Prime Minister Chris Hipkins stands with other political leaders including National's Christopher Luxon.
Winston Peters is one of the first major political figures to arrive at the powhiri.
He dismissed co-governance as divisive.
Asked about Chris Hipkins' poll performance, Peters said he has got a 'Shipley bump' and doesn't expect it will last long.
"We have all seen this before… they cannot win."
He said New Zealand First did some great stuff with Labour in Government, but the successes were in NZ First portfolios, like Defence.
He met with Waitangi National Trust chair Pita Tipene and Dame Naida Glavish.
