Minor protests failed to overshadow the mostly peaceful proceedings at Waitangi this morning.

Fewer people than expected have attended the service - despite better weather than in previous years, with around two hundred people turning up to the Meeting House. However, there was standing room only in the whare with a handful of MPs, Navy representatives and a few protestors in the crowd.

Speakers led prayers about belonging and peace, and special mention was made of Prime Minster Helen Clark's absence. John Key used that opportunity to lead a prayer of his own.

About three-quarters of the way through the service a woman stood up and started shouting, but was removed by Maori wardens. Another man stood up at the end and performed a haka about honouring the Treaty as the official groups filed out.