Rātana pā, or Ratana Community, is a town in the North Island of New Zealand, near Whanganui and Marton in the Manawatu-Wanganui Region, which developed around the Rātana church there. It is a site of pilgrimage for the Maori followers of the Rātana faith. Due to the importance of the Rātana movement in New Zealand politics, leading New Zealand politicians often attend annual gatherings at Rātana pā.25 JanuaryEach year on 25 January, members of the Rātana Church converge to Rātana Pā to celebrate the birth of its founder Tahupōtiki Wiremu Rātana. This annual gathering lasts for a week. The highlight of the week is the Temple Service on 25 January. Usually, Members of Parliament (MPs) converge to the Pa on 24 January to talk and gain Māori votes for election time.GeographyWhanganui is located 20 km to the northwest and Marton is located 19 km to the east.Government and politicsLocal governmentAs part of the Rangitikei District, the current Mayor of Rangitikei since 2013 is Andy Watson.Rātana pā forms part of the Turakina ward of the Rangitikei District Council, which elects one of the eleven district councillors. The one representative of the ward is Soraya Peke-Mason. Peke-Mason was re-elected in October 2016.
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