"It's part of who I am but it is about joining the link. And now I have done that this place has become my place where I can plant another seed."
Wharewera hoped the event would create a foundation for other iwi to follow and ignite a love for te ao Māori in those that attended.
"It's important, not only living in that world but also understanding this world and how their two worlds tie together - and how they can contribute to it as well."
Multicultural Tauranga president Premila D'Mello said many people attending would have experienced racism and loneliness while living in New Zealand but believed this positive experience would bring them closer together.
"He (Stanley) believes that the First Nations people should welcome migrants, but did not believe it had been done in New Zealand before.
"As the largest tribe in Tauranga, he offered us this opportunity. We obviously took it up with a gust of enthusiasm."
The local organisation has been working in the migrant settlement sector for the past 25 years and now those who have made Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty their home will be formally welcomed.
Premila D'Mello with twin daughters and husband in 2015. Photo / NZME
D'Mello said there were about 270 people who had signed up to attend including members from the Chinese, Nepalese, Indian, Latin American, Indonesian, Muslim and Punjabi communities.
"It's going to be a sea of colour and a feast for the senses as well.
"There's a lot of optimism and curiosity and keenness to know what this is all about. Because surprisingly there are many people who have lived Aotearoa for years and years but haven't been to a marae."
Paora Stanley of Ngāi te Rangi is hosting a powhiri at Whareroa Marae to welcome the Western Bay of Plenty's immigrants for the first time. Photo / NZME
Stanley told the Bay of Plenty Times the idea came from his own experience working in Canada.
"I was formally welcomed into the reservation and into Canada by First Nations people there. It was a big deal and it was my way of me understanding how important it was for the locals to welcome you in.
"I knew the honour that bestowed upon me there, and that is something we can do here."
Stanley extended the invitation to the Race Relations Commissioner, Meng Foon, and on Saturday Foon will be the "chief guest".
"The pōwhiri marks the beginning of a relationship between people and the area. It will give a sense of inclusion for migrant communities and connection with mana whenua," Foon said.
"As we look to build and improve social cohesion across Aotearoa New Zealand, it is important that we don't just look to the future but that we honour our past and our unique identity."
Members of Multicultural Tauranga will walk onto this marae in their traditional dress with the opportunity to share their culture. Photo / NZME
Tauranga City Council diversity and culture advisor Haidee Kalirai hopes individual migrants and cultural community groups spread the word and organise their groups to be represented at this special occasion.
"We often hear from newcomers that they would like an opportunity to visit a marae, increase their understanding of Māori culture and build a relationship with Māori as tangata whenua.
"This event is an important step in achieving this for all newcomers in our area and creating a sense of belonging to all."
Programme for the day:
• Guests assemble at the gate of Whareroa Marae, 25 Taiaho Place, Mount Maunganui at 9.30am on Saturday
• The pōwhiri will be followed by a shared lunch with cultural foods that communities are invited to share and multicultural performances
• This event is free and all are welcome but asked to register
