A Ratana Church senior minister Robin Muru says he feels for the Governor General having to attend this year's church celebrations in his official capacity, rather than a morehu (follower).
Lieutenant General Sir Jerry Mateparae is due at the marae about 9am on Wednesday.
He says he knows the Governor General and his family personally, and Sir Jerry would like to be part of the Ratana celebrations as one of the people from the area.
