The annual Rātana celebrations have begun today, with thousands of Māori travelling to the small Whanganui settlement for one of the most significant political and spiritual gatherings on the Māori calendar.
Whānau, hapū and iwi have been arriving since early morning, filling the pā with karakia, waiata and kōrero as the church prepares to welcome political leaders, kaumātua and rangatahi from across the motu.
Rātana remains a powerful symbol of Māori unity, faith and political voice, with the movement historically playing a central role in shaping Māori representation in Parliament and influencing major Treaty settlements.
This year’s hui is expected to focus strongly on health reform, housing pressures, freshwater rights and the future of co governance, with several party leaders scheduled to attend over the next two days.
Church leaders say the kaupapa this year centres on kotahitanga and the wellbeing of future generations, as Māori communities continue to navigate economic hardship and the impacts of climate events across the country.
Security and traffic management plans are in place, with police working alongside marae volunteers to ensure the safety of kaumātua and visiting whānau.
Organisers say despite political debate, Rātana remains first and foremost a spiritual gathering, a place of reflection, prayer and reconnection for Māori across Aotearoa
