Ngapuhi elder David Rankin is defending a call for the burqa to be banned from next week's commemorations in Waitangi.

FULL INTERVIEW: David Rankin on banning the burqa

The descendant of historic tribal leader Hone Heke says the burqa is a sign of Islam, which is opposed to traditional Maori culture.

He's expecting some backlash, but believes many people will back his calls.

Next week's commemorations at Waitangi will mark 175 years since the signing of the treaty.

However, Greens co-leader Metiria Turei says the comments are offensive and "quite disgraceful".

"What David Rankin has said is offensive, he certainly has no right to speak on behalf of Maori in general with comments like that," she says.

"We need to respect cultural difference, and he should understand that. His comments are quite disgraceful."

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters says the host lays down the rules in most societies and it's a case of 'when in Rome'.

"We don't do what would we do in our own country when we're in foreign countries," he says.

"It just shows you how far we have slid as a society in maintaining our values."