UPDATED 1.52pm: A Maori elder's being accused of attention-seeking, over his anti-Islamic comments.

Ngapuhi leader David Rankin has called for Muslim women to be banned from wearing burqas at Waitangi this year - saying Muslims don't tolerate other cultures, so Maori shouldn't tolerate theirs.

Maori Party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell says it's a total non-issue.

"I can't recall seeing actually too many people with burqas at Waitangi and all the ones that I have seen, of which would be no more than three, are actually Tai Tokerau Maori who understand our culture and don't do any harm to anybody.

"I'm wondering what the issue is."

No issue

Waitangi Day organisers won't be turning away anyone wearing a burqa - and they're scratching their heads over why it's even an issue.

The chairman of the Waitangi Day organising committee, Pita Paraone, doesn't think anyone's ever turned up to the marae wearing one.

"Not that I'm aware of - and even if they chose to do so, we'd have no problem with that."

Pita Paraone says the issue, raised by Rankin, is just a bid for publicity.

Waitangi National Trust CEO Greg McManus says no to a ban.

He says the national day is about celebrating diversity - not oppressing other cultures.

"There are thousands of Muslim New Zealand citizens. We have citizenship ceremonies right here on the whare. Waitangi is all about inclusiveness.

Meanwhile, Muslim leaders are rubbishing claims their religion isn't compatible with Maori traditions.

Anwar Ghani, president of the Federation of Islamic Associations, says Maori Muslims are some of the community's best people.

"They are looking after themselves, they are looking after their whanau and they're looking after their community and they're making a lot of effort to remain positive and constructive."

Anwar Ghani says Mr Rankin's comments reflect a lack of understanding in New Zealand, when it comes to the Islamic faith.

Ngapuhi kaumatua David Rankin has raised eyebrows, with his call to ban the burqa at Waitangi this year.