A fracas that ensued at the entrance to the Te Tii Marae during the Governor General's welcome wasn't even noticed by Sir Jerry Mataparae's security personnel.
Titewhai Harawira's daughter Hinewhare was seen arguing with some men after she was apparently not allowed into the iwi leaders' meeting this morning.
The Governor-General, accompanied by his wife, was flanked by security and police as they were welcomed onto the marae by Titewhai Harawira, mother of Mana Party leader Hone Harawira.
A spokesman for Sir Jerry didn't want to comment on the issue other than to say that what happened was minor and an internal matter for the marae to sort out.
The head of State was welcomed with the respect normally given to him and that the incident happened after he had entered the marae, his spokesman said.