Racial outbursts and protesters rushing at New Zealand Prime Minister John Key on Sunday morning, failed to dampen Waitangi celebrations in the Bay of Island's town of Paihia on Sunday.
Mr Key cut short his visit to Te Tii Marae after a handful of protesters carrying a "Stop Deep Sea Drilling" sign ran toward him as he was welcomed onto the grounds.
Mr Key said he did not feel threatened by the protesters and had left because he thought he would not be heard over protesters who were yelling racial slurs toward some MPs.
"I'm not angry about the situation - I just see it as a bit of a lost opportunity," he said.
Among the protesters was Wi Popata, charged three years ago over assaulting Mr Key on Waitangi Day, who abused Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples and other MPs.
Protesters and many bystanders had dispersed as Labour MPs, including leader David Shearer, and Green Party co-leader Russel Norman, among others, were welcomed onto the marae without incident.
Waitangi marae chair Rihari Dargaville told Radio New Zealand he would end Waitangi Day powhiri for politicians if protesters disrupt proceedings again.
Iwi leaders met on Sunday afternoon with Mr Key, Finance Minister Bill English and other National MPs in Paihia to discuss a number of issues, including Treaty of Waitangi obligations in plans to partially sell state-owned companies.
Iwi leaders are against the government taking power companies out of the State-owned Enterprises Act, which contains clauses committing the government to acting "in a manner consistent with the Treaty of Waitangi".
Celebrations ended at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, about 1km south of Te Tii Marae, with a Royal New Zealand Navy service including a band and kapa haka performance, which Governor General Sir Jerry Mateparae attended.
Celebrations continue on Monday, Waitangi Day.
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