UPDATED 9.16am: A hope the Prime Minister will return to Waitangi has been echoed by the Leader of the Opposition.

Steven Joyce has spoken on behalf of John Key at the commemorations.

At this morning’s Dawn Service, Maori Party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell prayed John Key will attend next year – a comment noted by Labour leader Andrew Little.

"I think that's right, I think this is our national day, it's the service that kicks off this important commemoration and the Prime Minister should be here."

A crowd of about 300 people gathered in darkness this morning at the Treaty Grounds in Waitangi, to mark 176 years since the signing.

People are entering the upper marae at Waitangi ahead of the dawn service #WaitangiDay @NewstalkZB pic.twitter.com/oAPDbq1mbt

— Alex Mason (@AllieMase) February 5, 2016

 

The sky is beginning to lighten in the Bay of Islands as the Waitangi Day Dawn Service draws to a close @NewstalkZB pic.twitter.com/f2q38wkea5

— Alex Mason (@AllieMase) February 5, 2016

Maori Party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell urged the crowd not to give in to those who’d rather see New Zealand divided.

"We are a better nation when the Treaty of Waitangi is honoured, I pray to you...that Prime Minister John Key returns to Waitangi next year."

Mr Flavell told the crowd both sides need to talk face to face, in a way which recognises each other’s mana.