Race Relations Commissioner Joris de Bres says an invitation to a celebration of the Maori King's coronation is a gracious acknowledgement of the diverse communities in New Zealand.
King Tuheitia extended an invitation to people from different cultures to attend a powhiri or welcoming ceremony on Friday at Turangawaewae marae in Ngaruawahia.
This year marks the fifth anniversary of the King's crowning in 2006.
Mr de Bres says there has been strong interest from ethnic communities in attending the koroneihana.
He says interest has come from organisations such as the Auckland Council Ethnic Advisory Board, Police Ethnic Liaison officers and the New Zealand Chinese Association.
Members from the Muslim community have also been invited to attend the celebrations, which will continue until Sunday.
