Politicians visiting Ratana Marae yesterday got a strong message from speaker Uruea Abraham who broke protocol by speaking in English and saying it was "obvious that many of you are sitting here without being able to understand the eloquence and beauty of the Maori language".
Mr Abraham said Maori had had 175 years of understanding the English language and that the Treaty of Waitangi settlements equated to just "one cent in the dollar.
"Don't play with the Treaty of Waitangi and treat it like a game of ping pong" he urged visiting politicians. It was time for government to work towards a future of true partnership with Maori.
The gathering was part of the annual celebration of the birthday of spiritual and political leader Tahupotiki Wiremu (TW) Ratana. The speeches were led by Te Tai Hauauru MP Adrian Rurawhe, a great-grandson of TW Ratana.
Labour leader Andrew Little paid tribute to TW Ratana for his foresight and said he was well ahead of financier Gareth Morgan who was also at Ratana yesterday and has written a book on the Treaty of Waitangi.
"It has been said of Ratana that he carried a Bible in one hand and a copy of the Treaty in the other.
"He was 80 years ahead of Gareth Morgan and he didn't have a book to sell."
Mr Little said his party was honoured to have MPs in six of the seven Maori seats in Parliament and that it was a gift that Labour needed to honour.
Green Party co-leader Metiria Turei said Gareth Morgan was expressing some good views although she believed he was "preaching to the converted" at Ratana.
"He needs to be talking to his own people and getting that message to them first."
Ms Turei talked of the legacy of TW Ratana as a mangai (spokesman) for Maori and how he spent his lifetime confronting politicians about past injustices.
"John Key had the gall to claim that New Zealand was settled 'peacefully' as if all Maori grievances evaporated into irrelevance at his command."
She acknowledged that recent governments had made some significant progress but said that when ministers resorted to "cynical dog whistle tactics that play to widespread ignorance of Te Tiriti" it undermined progress.
Maori Party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell said he welcomed Gareth Morgan's book and public comments but thought he could have expressed himself more tactfully.
"He has started a good conversation and a timely one with Waitangi Day coming up."
Acting Prime Minister Bill English acknowledged the importance of the spiritual element that the Ratana movement brought to politics and said it was something that could not be bought. "We can't buy the bonds of love that bind families together and help to guide young people."
Mr English praised the work done by the Maori Party and said they have worked hard in coalition with National to embed Maori values into policy.
National and Labour leaders congratulated Dame Tariana Turia on her New Year's honour and Mr English said he missed her presence in Parliament. "It is not the same without her telling me off every week," he said.