Politicians will not be allowed at Ratana Pa near Whanganui this year to celebrate the birthday of T.W. Ratana, the faith leader and prophet.
Labour holds an historic relationship with the Ratana Haahi and might have expected a particularly warm welcome, given a recent deal done over disputed land at Ihumatao.
However, the annual pilgrimage, which signals the start of the political year, isn't inviting outsiders this year because of internal conflict.
Hareruia Aperahama, who is the Chairman of the Ratana Church National executive, said Covid restrictions had also played a part in that decision.
He spoke to Te Aniwa Hurihanganui.
