Jacinda Ardern's speaking rights and where she'll be seated during the formal ceremony at Waitangi is being discussed today.
A meeting between the Waitangi Organising Committee and the Waitangi National Trust is being held on Friday morning at the Treaty grounds.
It's the first time in almost a decade that a female Prime Minister will be welcomed onto the marae at Waitangi, and the group wants to ensure any protocol issues are ironed out before she arrives.
Misunderstanding of tikanga for women leaders has caused controversy in the past, with Helen Clark reduced to tears in 1998.
However, those Newshub spoke to don't believe Ms Ardern will face the same fate.
It's expected she will be given an opportunity to speak on the verandah, or mahau, of Te Whare Rūnanga about her Government’s plan for Māori.
However, a spokesperson for the marae says it is important the timing is correct and that any tapu is removed before she speaks.
They added Ms Ardern will probably be seated in the second row, however that is still up for discussion.
In some iwi, women traditionally sit behind male speakers during formal welcomes, which historically offered better protection for the child bearers of the tribe.
Newshub.
