The Prime Minister says he's up for the challenge of defending his Government's policies, even in the absence of a coalition partner.

Chris Luxon addressed the annual Rātana celebrations, as did Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters.

But the architect of the controversial Treaty Principles Bill - ACT's David Seymour - did not front to face questions from Māori.

ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Seymour's absence was disappointing.

"You should have the courage of your convictions. Seymour usually does, he should have got up there and said what he really meant."

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