Hundreds of morehu are gathering in the small Rangitikei township of Rātana for the annual commemorations.
The three-day commemorations, marking the birth of Tahupōtiki Wiremu Rātana, come just days after a hui of national unity called by the Kingiitanga to discuss the new government's controversial plans for Māori.
RNZ reporter Pokere Paewai spoke to Charlotte Cook.
