Manuhiri have start to arrive at Rātana Pā near Whanganui. Photo: RNZ / Emma Andrews
The first group of manuhiri from around the motu have been welcomed to the small settlement of Rātana Pā near Whanganui on Thursday.
This week is among the busiest for the Rātana Church as mōrehu or followers of the faith gather to celebrate the birthday of the movement's founder Tahupotiki Wiremu Rātana on 25 January.
The annual celebrations also mark the start of the political year as politicians come to pay tribute to the movement and engage with Māori leaders.
Followers of the Rātana Church are gathering to celebrate the birthday of the movement's founder Tahupotiki Wiremu Rātana on 25 January. Photo: RNZ / Emma Andrews
Rātana was known for its long-standing alliance with the Labour Party, with candidates from a Rātana background holding the Māori seats for several decades.
Te Pāti Māori will be the first political party to arrive - being welcomed on this afternoon.
On Friday the other political parties - with the exception of ACT - will be welcomed to Rātana.
The Māori Queen Nga wai hono i te po will be among the manuhiri this afternoon - marking her first official visit since her ascension.
The Kiingitanga and Rātana share a long history of connections - the late Kiingi Tuheitia regularly attended the January celebrations.
Photo: RNZ / Emma Andrews
Photo: RNZ / Emma Andrews
Photo: RNZ / Emma Andrews
