Ratana warming up for celebration

Ratana church and community members have used the annual political visit to their marae as a warm-up for an even bigger celebration.

Politicians from almost every party in Parliament converged on Ra¯ tana Pa¯ , between Whanganui and Palmerston North, on Wednesday to speak to church and Ma¯ ori leaders.

The visit, often seen as the start of the political year, coincides with the birth of the church’s founder, Tahupotiki Wiremu (TW) Ra¯ tana.

The Ratana church and movement has been involved in politics for many years, including contributing the country’s first Ma¯ ori female MP, Iriaka Ra¯ tana.

That legacy has continued throughout the years, with Te Tai Hauauru MP Adrian Rurawhe one of the latest.

Rurawhe, a great-grandson of TW Ra¯ tana, said the day had been better than other years.

‘‘In an election year [in 2017] it got very political.’’

‘‘[Today] it was a positive and focused meeting.’’

The church had let younger people organise many parts of the day, which was usually the biggest on the church calendar, he said.

But 2018 would see an even bigger celebration in November, when the church marks a significant milestone.

TW Ratana had a vision on November 8, 1918, which he believed was the Holy Spirit telling him to preach the gospel to Ma¯ ori.

That sparked him into action, leading him on a journey of preaching and healing.

Rurawhe said the January celebrations were a testing ground for how things may run in November.

‘‘We’re always excited to celebrate every year, but are also looking forward to an even bigger celebration coming up on November 8.’’

The church has seven parishes in Australia, some of which had been planning their November trips for as long as five years, he said.

‘‘We really don’t know how many people will come.’’

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who spoke from the mahau, said she would be happy to return on November 8 to mark the centenary.

Her pregnancy was referenced throughout proceedings, with one of the church representatives who walked her to the mahau giving her belly a rub.

PHOTO: WARWICK SMITH/STUFF Ra¯ tana Church secretary Piri Rurawhe leads Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Crown/Ma¯ori Relations Minister Kelvin Davis and Green Party leader James Shaw from the church’s temple.