The National Party's Māori Development Minister has rejected the suggestion that the Prime Minister should have felt inclined to attend the weekend's hui called by the royal proclamation of the Māori King, Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII.

The national unity hui arranged for Saturday near Ngāruwāhia was extended to more than 3000 guests who will attend the event. However, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will not be among those present for the event.

Luxon is currently in Christchurch taking part in National's annual retreat, where it's expected he'll be setting expectations for the coming year and laying out an agenda for the party's parliamentary term.

Meanwhile, he has agreed to send his party's Māori Development Minister, Tama Potaka, to the event on his behalf, which Potaka has explained will result in him carrying out a particular role.

"My job is to listen, as I described it, to listen with my eyes and to look with my ears," he told Summer Breakfast this morning when asked if his presence was focused on turning things around.

Potaka was also questioned about whether there was a risk that Luxon had missed an important opportunity by not attending the weekend event. Potaka dismissed this notion and said the meeting was driven by the Māori community.

"It's just fantastic that the Māori King has issued the royal proclamation advising the hui," he said.

"The meeting is for Māori and other New Zealanders interested in the direction of the country to come together, in unity, to have discussions and to continue those discussions ... next week and then at Waitangi ... So no, I think importantly it's a meeting that's driven by the Māori community and others who are welcome to come."

Potaka said the hui would see genuine concern raised from event attendees about the state of the country and concerns over the newly elected Government.

"These issues that will be discussed at the hui tomorrow are issues that are very top of mind for Māori and all New Zealanders, that have been for many decades," said Potaka.

Potaka wouldn't be drawn into speculation over whether NZ First or Act should be sending their representatives to the meeting, focusing instead on the privilege to be attending himself.

"I can't speak on behalf of NZ First and Act, but certainly from our side, the National Party side and my role in Māori Development, it's a responsibility I gladly take on to attend."