By Rebecca Wright
The political year got under way today with the Prime Minister's annual pilgrimage to Ratana, where Maori adherents of the Ratana movement are celebrating their prophet's birthday.
It is seen as an important place to be seen by most political parties courting the Maori vote.
The welcome - like the day - was a warm one for the Government.
On the marae, elders spoke of gains made for Maori in the past year, then of crucial policies for Maori in the year ahead.
The foreshore and seabed, whanau ora and housing were top of mind, as was the Maori Party for one speaker.
The fact Peter Dunne was upfront this year, rather than Pita Sharples, did not escape the group either.
Prime Minister John Key tried out his Te Reo at the event, and promised movement on unemployment, housing and treaty issues before confirming whanau ora will be in the budget in May.
For 70 years Ratana has had an alliance with Labour, but those ties have waned in recent years. While the real winners are the Maori Party, National is looking to capitalise.
On Sunday the Maori Party and Labour will have the right of reply.
3 News
source: newshub archive
