There's been a mood of celebration and a message of unity at this weekend's commemorations at Waitangi.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins is among thousands of people who have been braving the rain to attend a dawn service and flag raising ceremony on the Treaty Grounds.

Deputy Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni is spending today at West Auckland's Hoani Waititi Marae, after spending the weekend at Waitangi.

Carmel Sepuloni observed that Chris Hipkins' speech from this morning was well-received and genuine.

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