Hundreds of people have converged on Ratana Pa to celebrate the anniversary of the birth date of the prophet Tahupotiki Wiremu Ratana.
The annual Ratana celebrations. Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson
Brass bands from throughout New Zealand welcomed visitors onto the marae near Whanganui as part of a moving powhiri.
The grandson of one of Ratana Pa's priests, Ahi Walker, who was helping manage the crowds, said today was the first time he had visited the Pa after a 24 year absence and it was an emotional homecoming.
The day was also a chance for tangata whenua to visit stalls that provided information on topics such as health issues and career advice.
Yesterday, politicians were welcomed on to the Pa for the three-day annual event.
