The governor-general, prime minister, defence force chiefs and religious leaders were among many to brave an early start at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
On a perfectly still summer's morning, the Waitangi National Trust staged their traditional non-denominational Christian service at the birthplace of the nation.
It was here, in 1840, that a treaty was struck between Maori chiefs and the British Crown, laying the foundation for New Zealand.
February 6 was first celebrated as the anniversary in 1934, and it became a national public holiday 50 years ago this year - in 1974.
Waitangi National Trust chair Pita Tipene urged Kiwis - who are currently engaged in a government-led debate to rewrite the treaty's principles - to understand their nation-building history.
"What this is all about is learning our history to move forward," Mr Tipene said.
"If our society is still coming to grips with Te Tiriti o Waitangi, He Whakaputanga is not known at all," he said, referring to the 1835 Declaration of Independence by Maori chiefs by its Maori name.
Waitangi National Trust chair Pita Tipene has urged people to learn from history "to move forward". (Ben McKay/AAP PHOTOS)
Mr Tipene said the 2024 dawn service attracted a record crowd.
The service featured prayer, waiata - or Maori song - and reflection, including by Prime Minister Chris Luxon, who read a passage from the Bible centred on unity.
"Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ," he said.
"If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices."
That political unity Mr Luxon is striving for is currently lacking.
The right-leaning government is forging ahead with a policy program which includes de-emphasising the Maori language in government and abolishing Maori-specific services.
It also wants to strip power from the Waitangi Tribunal, the body established to investigate breaches of the treaty.
These changes have incensed many Kiwis, especially Maori, prompting protest and unease.
Reflecting that debate, government minister David Seymour - who is responsible for the treaty principles bill - was booed at the dawn service, which was an otherwise serene occasion.
A day earlier, Te Whare Runanga (the treaty grounds' meeting house) hosted a highly political and often angry public meeting.
Maori leaders, including from the local Ngapuhi tribe, hosted their annual powhiri for the government, when several ministers were booed and heckled.
Later on Tuesday, a hikoi - or Maori march - is expected to arrive at Waitangi after walking 200km from New Zealand's northern tip, Cape Reinga, picking up supporters on the way.
It is likely to be the largest such demonstration to arrive at Waitangi for four decades.
Elsewhere in New Zealand, many cities and towns are hosting dawn services, community barbecues and festivals to commemorate.
Those in Waitangi lingering at the treaty grounds will see a 21-gun salute at midday from the HMNZS Manawanui, stationed in the Bay of Islands, in honour of the 184th anniversary from the treaty's signing.
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