Must move past conflict - Shearer

A peaceful visit to Waitangi for the Labour leader.

David Shearer faced none of the problems John Key did when welcomed on to Te Tii Marae.

The thorny topic of Maori water rights was raised by Ngapuhi elders while Mr Key was on the marae.

Mr Shearer says we need to move past conflict.

"There's always going to be tension and we accept that, but the great thing about New Zealand is we've actually found ways around that tension and resolving it and we actually should celebrate that too. We look back 30 years of where we were and where we've come. We've done a lot of things we should be proud of it."

Tariana Turia says she stays away from lower Te Tii Marae to avoid the aggro.

The Maori Party co-leader didn't attend the official welcome this morning, which was marred by a grumble over who'd lead the Prime Minister on.

Ms Turia says the disharmony often comes from those not connected to the marae.

She says Te Tii is very open, and it's hard to police.

Ms Turia says her people have asked her not to go to lower Te Tii Marae.

Meanwhile, Mana Party leader Hone Harawira says his family is involved in protests at Waitangi because the Treaty means something to them.

A squabble between his mother, Titewhai, and kuia, over who would escort the Prime Minister onto lower Te Tii Marae delayed John Key's arrival by over half an hour.

Mr Harawira says they protest to stand up for what they believe in.

"Passion is passion. I think Maoridom would be completely sterile without the level of passion that different people bring to Maori kaupapa."

Mr Harawira says his mother is a strong woman, who won't be swayed.

Photo: Getty Images