Coming hot on the heels of last weekend's Hui-aa-Motu and the Rātana celebrations, Waitangi Day this year promises to be highly emotive and political.
The government's policies have prompted calls for resilience and resistance, and a dramatic show of unity from much of Māoridom.
In this week's Focus on Politics, Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch assesses the coalition's response to the challenge laid down by many in Māoridom, as the political year gets back under way.
Analysis - The powerful iwi at the centre of Waitangi celebrations is fiercely independent. But it seems increasingly willing to be part of a unified voice in response to Christopher Luxon's new government.
The political year has begun with headlines dominated by the response to the new coalition Government’s policies related to Māori.
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