Rātana Pā is now full of politicians with both government and opposition representatives welcomed onto the marae.
The commemorations at Rātana are widely seen as the beginning of the political year.
They also provide a rare chance for Māori to address politicians directly on the pae - something that holds extra weight this year because the celebrations come so soon after last weekend's national hui called by the Kiingitanga.
Political reporter Giles Dexter spoke to Charlotte Cook.
