The Māori Development Minister is defending the Prime Minister's decision to skip a gathering organised by the Māori King. 

The National Unity Hui is expected to bring thousands of people to Ngāruawāhia's Tūrangawaewae Marae tomorrow. 

Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka told Tim Dower that it's his responsibility to go, but it's not a platform for politicians. 

He says it's primarily for those interested in the direction of the country to come together. 

ACT Party leader Davis Seymour has also said he won't be attending. 

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