The political pilgrimage to the Rātana Pā settlement just south of Whanganui has begun.
It's the first in-person celebration in two years, marking the 150th birthday of founder Tahupōtiki Wiremu Rātana.
Party leaders for National and Te Paati Māori are due to speak shortly.
RNZ's Māori news director Jamie Tahana spoke to Charlotte Cook from Rātana
