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It's the day for the political parties to come to Ratana, with Labour, the Greens and New Zealand First making the trek to the windswept marae near Whanganui.
There was also a showing by the leader of the new Opportunities Party, economist Gareth Morgan, who used his speech to to attack New Zealand first's Winston Peters' stance on the Treaty of Waitangi.
Prime Minister Bill English made his appearance yesterday to clear the decks for today's first cabinet meeting, and the Maori Party was also welcomed on.
Church secretary Piriwiritua Rurawhe says the movement last year celebrated the 80th anniversary of the accord between Labour Party leader Michael Joseph Savage and Tahupotiki Wiremu Ratana, but it is open to hearing from all parties.
He says the kaupapa of the movement is to welcome all who seek revitalisation of the body and the spirit.
"Politically yes there is some discussion happening. We have met with the leadership of the Labour and Green parties. We had discussions with New Zealand First and we want to have political discussions with all political parties before the election, primarily to ensure we put our agenda on the table before any political party," Mr Rurawhe says.
Ratana is also preparing for next year's celebrations, which will mark the centenary of the church's founding.
FULL INTERVIEW WITH PIRIWIRITUA RURAWHE
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