The final preparations are taking place for the 150th birthday of Tahupōtiki Wiremu Rātana which is marked on Wednesday.

Morehu, or followers of the faith, are already arriving and politicians have also been invited back.

It's the first time they've all been able to gather since 2020 - before the Covid-19 pandemic.

RNZ Māori news director Jamie Tahana spoke to Charlotte Cook.