A waka flotilla of more than 100 will take to the Waikato River today to commemorate 160 years of the Kīngitanga.
Photo: RNZ / John Boynton
Commemorations for the anniversary are taking place at Tūrangawaewae Marae in Ngaruawahia.
King Tūheitia, the seventh leader of the Māori political movement, is due to speak today.
He is being joined by politicians and iwi leaders from across the country.
The Kīngitanga began in 1858 and was first led by King Pōtatau Te Wherowhero. It was a way of uniting Māori in the midst of land alienation from the Crown and european settlers.