The Maori Party's new co-leader believes her party can provide a political home for Ratana Church followers.

Marama Fox is attending Ratana celebrations today for the first time as a political leader.

She says in the past the church was closely linked with the Labour Party and there may be some of that tradition that continues.

However, Ms Fox sees scope for new traditions to be forged.

"Our elders are quite aware politically about what's going on and I think they are free to make up their own minds about where their allegiances lie. I know that Tariana Turia has said that if Ratana was alive today he would be a Maori Party supporter."