Celebrating Ratana
January 21, 2010
National MPs Craig Foss and Chris Tremain are once again looking forward to attending the annual Ratana Church celebrations on the Ratana Marae near Wanganui.
This year sees the 137th birthday celebrations of the prophet Tahupotiki Wiremu Ratana, founder of the Ratana church, and these annual celebrations are a highlight for Mr Foss and Mr Tremain.
“We have been attending Ratana celebrations since we were elected into office,’ says Mr Foss, “however the celebrations are not about politics, they are about celebrating beliefs and the strengths of New Zealand.”
“Taking part in the Ratana celebrations is always a humbling experience,’ says Mr Tremain. ‘The event grows, year on year, however the solid Ratana foundation that underpins the celebrations remains the same.”
‘Last year was the first time that John Key had attended Ratana as Prime Minister,’ says Mr Foss ‘and a year on both the National Party and the Maori Party have built on the Confidence and Supply Agreement that was signed back in 2008’.
‘Ratana shows New Zealand that the relationship goes beyond signed agreements, adds Mr Tremain. ‘It is about all New Zealanders working together.’
The Ratana Church is widely acknowledged as both a religion and as a pan-tribal political lobby group.
