Politicians will arrive at Ratana Pā near Whanganui tomorrow to celebrate the birthday of T W Ratana, the faith leader and prophet.
The annual pilgrimage signals the start of the political year, one that this time around ends with an election.
It won't be smooth sailing for the government, despite Labour's historic relationship with the Ratana Haahi. There are disputes over Ihumātao and Whānau Ora and disappointment with the government's slow progress on election promises around housing and improvements to the welfare state.
Leigh-Marama McLachlan is at Ratana Pā.
She speaks to Philippa Tolley.
