The 115th anniversary of a historic sitting of Maori Parliament was celebrated at Greytown's Papawai Marae at the weekend.
Organiser Malcolm Muholland said at least 500 people had made their way to the marae during the weekend.
"The idea was, really, to celebrate the rich history and past the marae has," he said.
"It was a fantastic occasion - one that a lot of our people who were here will never forget."
The weekend started with an invitation-only hui at the marae that was attended by local and national dignitaries.
"I think one thing that's really stuck out for them was we re-created the kawa or protocol that was in place in 1897," said Mr Muholland.
That had included a march by the Masterton Brass Band and the re-creation of flags not seen for more than 100 years - such as the Rongopai flag that signified the relationship of Wairarapa Maori with Te Kooti.
In the evening a hakari or farewell feast was attended by about 300 people at Rathkeale College. The marae was then opened to the public yesterday.
"It was really a way of giving thanks to the local community who have supported us and preparing for this event - both financially and in kind support," he said.
Te Ara Encyclopedia Maori editor Basil Keane was a guest speaker and visitors were invited to view a range of taonga on display.
The taonga were significant to the Maori Parliament and were loaned to the marae by Auckland War Museum, Aratoi, and Te Papa.
Mr Muholland said the taonga were a great addition to the weekend.
"It's through those taonga we are also able to tell the steps of Kotahitanga Parliament."
It was a successful weekend. "All the feedback we've received had been overwhelmingly positive," he said. "It was just a very, very special occasion."
Major sponsors included the South Wairarapa District Council, Greytown Community Board, Greytown Heritage Trust, the Masterton District Council and the Maori Liaison Task Group, ITM, Fresh Choice, Pinehaven Orchards, Norfolk Rd Nursery and Breadcraft.