Bells rang and people dressed in their best lined the streets as bands led the way to the temple at Ratana Pa yesterday.
The multiday January 25 celebration there is centred around the birthday of religious and political leader Tahupotiki Wiremu (TW) Ratana, who died in 1939. It's the biggest day of the event, and the only one some followers travel there for.
Maria Grace, from Wellington, said her husband drove buses six days a week. She was glad they had managed to get away for Ratana.
Many cameras clicked and a drone flew overhead as the massed band, the banners and the apostles in their flowing robes made their way into the church. The service is usually fairly casual, attendees said, with prayer, a sermon and singing.
The temple wasn't big enough to hold everyone, and many set up umbrellas and folding chairs to listen outside.