PM to visit Ratana

Ratana Church celebrations to be attended by Prime Minister Bill English.

Prime Minister Bill English will be among several politicians to visit Ratana on Monday. Labour leader Andrew Little visits a day later, on Tuesday.

About 10,000 people are expected for the annual Ratana Church celebrations, church secretary Piriwiritua Rurawhe said.

The celebrations are a gathering of faithful to celebrate the founder's birth, but have traditionally included a political forum and a chance for politicians to woo the Maori vote.

Mr English was due to arrive between noon and 1pm and would stay for a couple of hours, spokesman Nick Venter said.

He will speak about the relationship between the Crown and Ratana.

Others to attend include Maori Party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell, Education Minister Hekia Parata, Building and Construction Minister Nick Smith, Associate Transport Minister David Bennett as well as Mark Mitchell and Jacqui Dean.

Mr Little will also be accompanied by Labour's Maori caucus and other Labout MP on Tuesday.

The Maori King, Tuheitia Paki, and paramount Tuwharetoa chief Sir Tumu Te Heuheu will be among those considering what politicians have to say.

The Ratana Church has been engaging with political parties in recent months and will be working with Labour on "some key projects" in the coming months, Mr Rurawhe said.

Members have also been talking with the Green Party and with Winston Peters and New Zealand First.

Other activities during the four days included talent quests, entertainment and sport.