Jacinda Ardern and Maori caucus to launch Tamati Coffey's Maori advisory group

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and the Maori caucus are coming to Rotorua to launch Waiariki MP Tamati Coffey's Kahui Koeke.

The meeting between Ardern and the members of Labour's Maori caucus will take place at Te Papaiouru Marae, Ohinemutu on Friday.

Coffey will unveil his Kahui Koeke, an advisory council of selected kaumatua, ready to support and advise him on his new political journey.

"Serving the people of the Waiariki is a big job," Coffey said.

"Having such wise heads around me, will allow me to make decisions collectively and hear the various issues affecting Waiariki iwi."

Open to the public, the day will start with a pohiri for Ardern and the Maori caucus at 12.30pm.

It is Ardern's first public appearance in Rotorua since being elected Prime Minister. She attended the Federation of Maori Authorities conference last month but that wasn't a public event.

Coffey's premiere advisory council consists of; Dr Kihi Ngatai - Tauranga Moana, Rereamanu Wihapi - Tapuika, Ngati Moko, Waitaha, Tuhourangi ki Tai, Hemana Eruera - Ngati Awa, Ron Tahi - Ngai Tuhoe, Robert Edwards - Te Whakatohea and Dr Keneti Te Whainga Kennedy - Te Arawa, among others.

The kaumatua will enjoy light refreshments with the guests, before getting the opportunity to individually present to the Labour delegates on the issues of their iwi throughout the afternoon.

Lawyer and political figure Annette Sykes is included in the line-up of presenters.

The day will end with a site visit to the Wai Ariki development, a new spa complex being built at Rotorua's Lakefront, for a turning of the sod as a sign of new beginnings.

Coffey said he was looking forward to having his council come together for the first time to korero (talk) and be challenged by the presentations.

"To have our Prime Minister speak for the first time in her new role at Tamatekapua, the Parliament of Te Arawa, is significant. To follow this by offering Waiariki kaumatua the ears of our Maori caucus for the entire afternoon is momentous.

"To be able to host them all, as our people's newly elected Waiariki MP is an honour."

Labour's Maori caucus comes as a result of the recent election delivering 13 Maori MPs into Parliament through Labour, the highest level of Maori representation in New Zealand politics.

All 13 members of the Maori caucus will be there on Friday.

The caucus includes Willie Jackson, Kelvin Davis, Nanaia Mahuta, Meka Whaitiri, Peeni Henare, Adrian Rurawhe, Rino Tirikatene, Willow Jean Prime, Kiri Allan, Paul Eagle, Jo Luxton, Louisa Wall and Coffey.

"Maori overwhelmingly voted for Labour to be their voice and we pledge to start as we mean to go on, by listening in hui such as this," Coffey said.