KEY POINTS:
Government and Labour MPs will be out in force today as they make their annual pilgrimage to Ratana to woo Maori.
Political leaders descend on Ratana Pa near Wanganui every January as part of three days of celebrations marking the birth of the founder of the religious movement, Tahupotiki Wiremu Ratana.
In a show of "commitment", Prime Minister John Key will take almost half his caucus with him. About 20 Labour MPs will also make the trip, including leader Phil Goff, deputy Annette King and former Treaty Negotiations Minister Michael Cullen.
Labour, which has traditionally enjoyed the support of the Ratana movement, is usually well received, but speakers tend to be more guarded towards National.
However, Mr Key could get a warmer response this year following National's confidence and supply deal with the Maori Party.
Mr Key will be led on to the marae by Maori Party co-leader and Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples.
Mr Key this week said the strong contingent, including several senior ministers, would show the Government's commitment to improving the well-being of Maori.
"We want to work hard to achieve a better future for Maori New Zealanders and I'll be talking about those issues and the commitments we're making on the marae."
The Labour contingent is expected to be greeted on to the marae late this morning, and Mr Key's group will be welcomed early this afternoon.
- NZPA
