Join us live as political parties and their MPs are set to arrive for Rātana celebrations.
Rātana began in 1918 when Tahupōtiki Wiremu Rātana had a vision to unite Māori through faith and politics. The movement became influential, blending Christianity with te ao Māori and forming a political alliance with Labour, shaping Māori rights in Aotearoa.
The annual Rātana celebrations mark the start of the political year in Aotearoa, drawing leaders to engage with iwi and acknowledge the movement’s legacy of Māori advocacy in politics.
The brass band Ngā Reo o Rātana guides manuhiri onto Rātana Pā, acting as kaiwero. It clears the way, making the marae ātea a safe space. Their music is said to echo the sound of Tikitiki-o-Rangi from the 12th heaven.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his coalition partners are expected to arrive, with opposition parties also in attendance.
Te Pāti Māori co-leaders Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi arrived early, having been at Rātana since Thursday.
Yesterday, we also saw Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po and Tumu Te Heuheu of Ngāti Tūwharetoa arrive at the celebrations.
Follow our live updates below.
12:20PM
That concludes Te Ao Māori News, Aukaha News, Te Reo o te Uru, Awa FM and Te Karere, live coverage of Rātana 2025.
12.15PM
Politicians from both sides of the political spectrum have been welcomed on to Rātana Pā.
12.10PM
Green Paty MP Teanau Tuiono has arrived at Rātana Pā. He spoke with Te Reo O Te Uru reporter Reagan Paranihi.
12.07PM
Members of Parliament are being welcomed on to Rātana Pā.
12:05PM
New Zealand First Party Leader Winston Peters has arrived at Rātana Pā. He spoke with Aukaha News reporter Te Kawa Paora.
11:55AM
Labour Party leader, Chris Hipkins, has arrived at Rātana Pā. He spoke with Aukaha News reporter Te Kawa Paora.
11:50AM
New Zealand First MP Shane Jones has arrived at Rātana Pā. He spoke with Te Karere reporter Te Okiwa McLean.
11:45AM
Labour MP Willow-Jean Prime has arrived at Rātana Pā and spoke with Te Reo O Te Uru reporter Reagan Paranihi
11:25AM
Hoki mai anō.
You can watch the MPs arriving at Rātana live here:
9.30AM
That concludes Te Ao Māori News, Aukaha News, Te Reo o te Uru, Awa FM and Te Karere, live coverage this morning.
Come back at 11:25am to watch the MPs roll into Rātana Pā.
9.20AM
Labour MP Adrian Rurawhe said he was a mōrehu first before a politician.
9.10AM
Ngāti Kahungunu Chairman, Bayden Barber, is disappointed the Governor-General isn’t attending Rātana Pā.
He said she is the face of the crown and should be at Rātana Pā to listen to Māori.
8:57AM
75 bins were ordered to Rātana this year, according to one of the kaimahi.
8:30AM
You can watch the morning live here:
7:45AM
Ata mārie, nau mai ki ngā kōrero arorangi o te wā atu i Rātana Pā. Follow us here with live updates as we bring you coverage from Rātana Pā.
