Politicians of almost every stripe have descended on Rātana Pā today for the annual celebrations.

ACT's David Seymour was a notable absence.

Over the day, Māori leaders labelled the Government the enemy and warned the Prime Minister not to meddle with te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Chris Luxon assured the crowd his Government is committed to progress for Māori.

NZ First MP Shane Jones was heckled during his speech - but he says he took it in his stride.

"They thought that with loud angry voices, Winston Peters and I would back down. And they met their match in Shane Jones."

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