The following day, Friday March 1, a summit is held at Putiki Marae. Called Raukotahi 2013, it aims to help people born after 1983 find a pathway into leadership roles.
Ms Tuaine said everybody was needed in some kind of role, whether in companies, at schools, on marae or in boardrooms.
There will be keynote speakers during the day - on finance and accountability, and on legal obligations. People from Tainui, who are experienced in succession planning, will talk about that. People being prepared for particular roles could be given scholarships to train for them.
The summit will end with a huge dinner under marquees at the marae, to celebrate 25 years of the tribe's annual river journey, the Tira Hoe Waka.
"Being on the Tira is one part of being part of the iwi. The next part is to continue those roles by being involved and participating," Ms Tuaine said.
The following day, Saturday, will be for marae to celebrate the river itself by competing against one another in waka ama races.
Day four will be for tamariki (children), with activities and a lunch at Kowhai Park/Waipakura.
Both Whanganui's neighbouring iwi, Nga Rauru and Ngati Apa, are planning tribal celebrations next month as well.
The Ngati Apa Nga Wairiki Iwi Festival, Apa Rising, is on March 16. Nga Rauru's Te Toi Ahurea runs from March 8 to 10.
