In 1864, about 300 Māori defended the site from more than 1000 invading British soldiers.
"As you'd expect, we're pretty excited and grateful."
Tuesday's scenes at Waitangi evoked memories of the Ngā Tamatoa Māori protests of the 1970s.
Te Pati Māori chose not to be part of the Opposition delegation welcomed on Saturday.
It's the first hui since last year's election and a chance for the forum to consolidate.
One expert in the Treaty admits he's taken aback by how swiftly things have developed in the last six months.
Some members of Ngāti Kahu have vowed to stop competitors in a fishing competition from launching their boats.
At least 30 members of Ngāti Kahu blocked the access road to a boat ramp in Taipā on Friday.
About 50 uri (descendants) of the iwi are stopping fishers from launching boats at Taipā, in protest against overfishing.
