The Government's announced a funding boost for Māori economic development projects on the eve of Waitangi Day. 

Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says $7.1 million will go towards three projects in Northland and Taranaki. 

He says a major infrastructure upgrade at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds is going well, and some new facilities will be open in time for this year's celebrations.  

Senior Political Reporter Sophie Trigger is on the ground and told Andrew Dickens it's set to be a busy day, with politicians arriving this morning.  

She says last year there was a separate powhiri for Government and Opposition, but they'll all be arriving side-by-side today. 

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