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Ngapuhi leaders are hoping to build more of a welcoming atmosphere in the days leading up to Waitangi Day on Friday.
Kingi Taurua, from Te Tii Marae - Waitangi's lower marae - said that while there was a place for protest and political debate at Waitangi Day observations, it should not be at the expense of looking forward.
"We want to have a festival rather than everything be serious.
"That's what happened; the activists were doing their thing, and people were afraid to come. We have some kaumatua this year who haven't come in years who are saying they are coming because they realise it has the right atmosphere."
Ngapuhi kaumatua John Komene said the tribe's mana had been undermined over the years by continual protests.
Last year's event was pretty "slack" and lacked any sense of nationhood, he said.
He backed this year's plan where Ngapuhi would meet first tomorrow to talk about how things should be run.
"I think they [Ngapuhi] are learning a few lessons here and there. Those are experiences that probably help people to toe the lines.
"My idea of the day is that it should be one of unity, one of bringing the people together and acknowledging the historical signing of the Treaty of Waitangi."
As hosts Ngapuhi had a responsibility to provide better hospitality than they had.
"Number one: Waitangi is a national day, it's not just a Ngapuhi day ...
It's a national day for te iwi katoa [everyone]. Ngapuhi are hosting but the outsiders or the visitors, they are the ones that should make it.
"But I think it's changing, and the fact that the kingitanga is coming is the acknowledgment of that."
Events will start tomorrow with Ngapuhi gathering for a mass kawe mate, which recognises those who have died in the past year. Rarotongan royalty is also expected to arrive in the evening.
King Tuheitia, who is bringing a contingent of seven Tainui waka with him, will arrive on Wednesday.
Politicians, including the Prime Minister, whom national iwi leaders want to brief after their annual Waitangi conference, are expected on Thursday.
